Supply Chain: A Balancing Act

Linen is an essential supply which staff may take for granted, although patients rely on it every day. Linen supply is especially tricky. Unlike other supplies, linen, for the most part, is rented rather than purchased. This creates the problem of ensuring all the clean linen ordered and delivered is returned in a timely manner. You can think of this as turn-around-time. All delivered linen should be returned to the plant within three delivery runs. Don’t worry, clean linen continues to be ordered and delivered so you will not run out. 

Linen Strategies to Help Supply Chain 

Supply chain has five rights to ensure effective inventory management. These are critical for maintaining adequate stock. Supply chain must ensure the RIGHT product is available; it is ordered in the RIGHT amount; it is accessible at the RIGHT time; it is found in the RIGHT place; and it is for the RIGHT patient need. 

Choose the Right Linen Product 

• Instead of using bath blankets, use draw sheets or lift devices to move patients in bed 
• Use a sheet instead of a blanket to cover patient chairs 
• Use microfiber cloths from HandCraft instead of patient washcloths for cleaning rooms 

Gather the Right Amount of Linen 

• Set up admission rooms with one towel and one washcloth 
• For a patient who is cold, place one blanket from the warmer in between the flat sheet and thermal blanket instead of using two blankets on top 
• Consider adjusting your PAR levels to ensure you are not overstocking linen 

Access Linen at the Right Time 

• Do not automatically make up an admission bed with a draw sheet or under pad before you assess the patient’s immobility or incontinence status 
• At the beginning of the shift, assess each patient’s specific needs before gathering linen 
• Do not change linens on the day of discharge unless needed 

Find Linen in the Right Place 

• Keep linen on clean carts and do not stash linen in lockers or closets on the unit 
• Do not store linen in patient rooms like on windowsills, in nightstands or in closets 
• Store linen out of high traffic areas and limit access to authorized staff only  

Use Linen for the Right Patient Need 

• Do not use linen to clean up spills or after a leak 
• Do not use patient linen for person use, such as isolation gowns or blankets to keep warm 
• Use pillows, instead of a rolled-up blanket, for positioning aids 

Making minor changes to linen utilization can make a significant impact. Choose the lightest and smallest linen item that is most appropriate for the job. Avoid overstocking for just-in-case scenarios. Keep linen in clean linen carts and take only what is necessary for the job at hand. Thinking about the right linen usage can decrease your overall linen rental charges while continuing to provide the needed linen for patient care. 

Contact HandCraft for more information 

If you are looking for the right team to help prevent linen loss and decrease your linen loss costs, you found us. We have the experience, the industry-backed expertise, the technology and the professionals to help you achieve your goals. Remember to look at our Linen Awareness Program – healthcare linen management strategies that save costs and improve service. 

Call us today at (888) 358-8671 or reach us here for more information on our services.