Service Issue 2 store rooms. One a significant distance from the theatres. Staff spent unnecessary time looking for items that were frequently not there. No stock list. Stock levels not maintained. Excess stock and out of date stock found in storerooms. Random arrangement of items
Before
After 2 into 1 does go!
No clear visual method of where stock was kept or what was in the boxes Luck dip!
Visually clear where stock items kept aided by a shelf plan Excess, random and out of date stock removed. (Lots!) Stock list created Max/ min stock level established in line with theatre usage (cost saving) Frequently used items near to the door. Heavy items not on the top shelf! Cupboard incorporated into the theatre cleaning rota
Outcome - cost saving (lower stock levels kept, equipment rationalised) - time saved 10mins/ visit to storeroom. Visited 3 times/day =1.5hrs/day = 546hrs/year - no more running out of stock to date!
Service Issue Anaesthetic rooms all different. Items randomly and inappropriately positioned e.g. latex gloves next to latex free. A lot of time spent “wandering” around picking up components to complete a single task. Shelving too high to reach many items. Before After
Outcome A more productive working environment that looks less like a junk yard. Takes non anaesthetic staff 16s to find an ETT (as they might have to in an emergency) Before it took minutes and they couldn’t reach the top shelf.
Service Issue Emergency equipment difficult to find. Variable location along the theatre corridor or anaesthetic rooms, not easily accessible hidden behind other items Before
After
Outcome Decluttered corridors (improved appearance and fire safety). Emergency equipment readily available in a location know to all members of staff. Bronchoscope readily visible and sterility easily confirmed. New process for cleaning with faster turn around time introduced. Increased patient safety
X 4 spinal/ lines trolleys. All different layouts, stock levels not maintained with essential items frequently missing After Trolleys sorted and standardised. Excess and out of date stock removed. Max/ min stock level introduced in line with theatre usage Weekly check and clean introduced
Outcome Everyone knows where items are kept. Stock levels maintained. Minimum time wasted looking for items All equipment readily available for emergency use