The Secret Life of Hospital Linens
Have you ever wondered where all the linen goes in a hospital? Sheets, pillowcases, towels – they’re there one minute, gone the next. I know because I’m one of them. My name is Freddy Flat Sheet (Freddy for short) and I’ve seen it all. From clean shelves to hidden stashes, my life’s a constant adventure, thanks to a little thing called hoarding.
My day started out great. I was transported in a clean, covered cart to meet my old pal, Lenny Linen Cart. The technician even gave Patty Pillowcase a little extra attention, rotating her to the front of the cart since she’d been waiting patiently overnight. “First In, First Out” is Lenny’s favorite saying. As I started to settle in, I started to notice how empty Lenny was. I asked Lenny where everyone was. Lenny said “Hoarding, Freddy. They’re all out there, stuffed in closets and drawers, waiting for a ‘just in case’ moment that may never come.”
The hospital halls were bustling and Patty and I were eager to fulfill our purpose. Resting neatly on Lenny, we were ready to bring comfort to patients. “I love watching you two work,” said Lenny, “You two really make a difference for the patients and I do my part by keeping things organized.”
Patty beamed. “Thanks Lenny, it’s great knowing you help us stay fresh and ready for action.” Freddy chimed in, “First In, First Out makes sure the oldest linens get used so no one is stuck sitting around too long or gets dusty!”
Their moment came when a nurse selected them from the cart and carried them into a patient’s room. Together they sprang into action. Freddy smoothed himself across the bed, creating a soft and welcoming space. Patty followed, gently cradling the patient’s head as they settled in. The patient sighed with relief.
Patty and Freddy felt a surge of pride. This was what they were made for – bringing dignity and comfort to those who need it most. “This is why we’re here,” Freddy said quietly. Patty agreed, feeling fulfilled as the patient drifted off to sleep.
What Freddy Wants You to Know
Hoarding isn’t about bad intentions – just bad habits. Nurses, techs, and other healthcare providers often grab extra sheets, blankets, and towels to avoid running out during a shift but what happens next? They sit there. Forgotten. Stuffed in cabinets or hidden in drawers.
When hoarded linen doesn’t get used, it ends up lost in units, adding to linen shortages. I heard a nurse calling the linen department to bring more blankets last week after watching another nurse carry six into a room a few minutes earlier. If too many of us don’t return to the plant, it’s called linen loss.
So, what can we do to stop this linen hoarding madness? Well, I’ve got a few tips that’ll keep everything running smoothly and ensure no linen gets left behind.
- Encourage the staff to take only the linen they need for immediate use.
- Monitor linen usage – compare PAR levels to adjusted patient days to make sure linen supply matches patient needs.
- Keep linen in a secured, organized location – only healthcare providers should have access to linen. When linen is easy to find, there’s less need to “stash” extra in random places.
- Educate staff on the impact of hoarding – make sure staff understand that hoarding creates shortages and delays that could impact patient care.
- Remember “First In, First Out” matters – this ensures that linens are rotated properly, keeping them fresh and ready for use.
When linens like Patty and Freddy are used as intended, they truly make a difference in the patient’s experience. But when hoarded or hidden away, they miss the opportunity to serve their purpose. Let’s ensure linens stay where they’re needed most – comforting patients and supporting care teams.
Contact Handcraft for more information
If you are looking for the right partner 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 HandCraft’s Linen Awareness Program – healthcare linen management strategies that save costs and improve service.
About the Author:
Liz Barber, BSN, RN
Liz is a registered nurse with experience in clinical and non-clinical settings. She built her clinical expertise in Med-Surg and ICU. Beyond patient care, Liz has also served in Administrative Supervision, Quality Improvement, Employee Health, and Infection Prevention.
