The key is to think more imaginatively about storage. When we embrace the latest systems and practices, the benefits reach much further than simply achieving more storage space. While often overlooked, optimal storage is the key to better stock control, distribution and workflow.
Deeming these improvements essential, NHS Estates published Health Technical Memorandum 71 (HTM71), offering hospitals guidance on how to optimise their storage practices. It recommends the use of modular storage systems - including special trays, baskets, trolleys and cupboards - to improve workflow, safety and delivery speed between departments.
Adopting HTM71-ready products will require some upfront investment and a few days of lost time due to installation. However, this must not distract from their long-term value. The cheapest, open shelving solutions cost less initially, but their inefficiency can impact future performance. By contrast, modular storage offers practical solutions that deliver long-lasting value, making them cheaper and more effective in the long run. As experts in storage solutions, ZARGES offers a specific HTM71 storage range, designed to meet the demands of busy healthcare environments.
Out with the old
Today, hospital storage solutions generally follow the model laid down by Health Technical Memorandum 63 (HTM63). Most departments rely on standard cantilever shelves, which offer no way to easily separate, highlight or rotate stocks. They typically have open and adjustable shelving, but with only the front edge stocked leaving inaccessible, wasted space behind them.
HTM63 solutions are always fixed, making them impossible to transport. Goods are taken out of one storage facility, put on a trolley, moved, then put into another fixed unit. This means the products are physically handled many times, this increases the risk of contamination or damage.
By contrast, HTM71 allows the products to be placed in the tray, then the whole tray can be relocated to the point of use, therefore reducing the number of times a product is physically handled and thus reducing potential contamination or damage.
The modular advantage
Modular storage addresses many of the inefficiencies and issues of standard, fixed storage. Greater adaptability means supplies take up less room, creating a tidier and more efficient environment. Stock control and retrieval becomes easier as staff movement will not be obstructed or restricted by fixed storage space.
This has a favourable knock-on effect to hospital productivity. Easily transferable, modular storage moves supplies down the supply chain faster. This can be further enhanced by using transparent containers, which give staff greater visibility over and access to supplies. With these solutions in place, staff are able to spend less time managing stock and more time caring for patients.
The resulting faster workflow has further benefits for the stock itself. Better rotation means slower product deterioration along with less wasted space and product. Less stock needs to be held at any one time to satisfy the hospital’s needs, which can lead to considerable savings.
Finally, as modular solutions are more adaptable they become more ergonomic. Employees can adapt storage shape and adjust height for their maximum convenience, reducing the need for bending or stretching. In the long term this lowers the occurrence of workplace injuries and limits the disruption and lost output that can often follow.
Small changes in processes can have a substantial impact on long-term outcomes. HTM71 makes possible a seamless storage and transport system that significantly enhances hospital supply chains. By making the best use of space, and by reducing staff time, stock holdings and waste, they will help hospitals cut expenditure and extract the greatest possible value from our health service.
To find out more about HTM71 compliant solutions from ZARGES visit here.
Tel: +44 1908 641118
Email: medicalsystems@zarges.co.uk
Visit: https://www.zarges-medical.co.uk
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About ZARGES GmbH
ZARGES GmbH, based in Weilheim in Upper Bavaria, and Milton Keynes in the UK, is a global player with a workforce of approximately 800 and 3 production sites in Europe. Innovative technologies and established experience with high-quality aluminium make ZARGES a leading company in the three major business sectors: Access – Packaging, Transportation, Storage – Special Construction. ZARGES products combine the multiple benefits of the light metal material aluminium such as high stability with low weight, corrosion resistance and flexibility of use. ZARGES has the right product for every need and can also offer customised solutions. Regardless of whether they are from the service, retail, skilled trades or business sector or are private individuals: our customers value ZARGES as a reliable partner and benefit from the quality, expertise and comprehensive service that they enjoy for many years after purchasing ZARGES products.
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