Building Resilient Medical Supply Chains
The Covid-19 pandemic certainly impressed the importance of having resilient medical supply chains. Prior to the initial coronavirus outbreak, medical facilities may have had plans in place for an emergency situation. However, it’s unlikely that they could have imagined the specifics or the scale of Covid-19.
Supplies used for the purposes of infection control suddenly experienced unprecedented demand. In addition, breakdowns to global supply chains meant that the accessibility of consumable and capital products, unrelated to the fight against Covid-19, was also reduced.
In short, the availability of medical supplies in Australia has been a frequently discussed topic over the past eighteen months. Medical facilities that had resilient supply chains certainly fared better than those that did not. So, how do you go about ensuring that your medical facility is appropriately stocked, regardless of what else might be happening around the globe? It’s not an easy conundrum, but given recent events, one that is certainly worth considering and discussing.
What is a resilient supply chain?
Regardless of how experienced and well-trained your clinicians are, without appropriate medical supplies, they will simply struggle to provide patients with the assistance they need. The term ‘medical supplies’ often refers to consumable products — items that are disposed of after use, such as ultrasound probe covers. However, capital equipment can also fall under the general definition of medical supplies.
Having timely access to both capital and consumable products can be the difference between providing high-quality medical care and a patient experiencing a lengthy waiting and recovery period. A resilient supply chain can be defined as the ability to access such equipment and supplies in the face of changing circumstances.
It is not always easy to estimate the levels of stock you will require, particularly in an unforeseen and unprecedented medical emergency — such as the Covid-19 pandemic. However, market trends and statistical information can be used to help a healthcare manager make informed decisions about what medical supplies in Australia they are likely to need on a day-to-day and emergency basis.
Setting up a resilient supply chain for your facility
There are several key strategies that you can implement to ensure that your medical facility is well-equipped to provide high-quality patient care.
To start with, it’s recommended that you have a thorough digital system in place to track the use of supplies. Some consumable products — like procedural kits — will be used on a daily basis, meaning stock levels can quickly run low. Having an automated system in place to track supply levels will reduce the amount of manual work required as well as the risk that you will unexpectedly be left with limited stock.
Where possible, it’s also a good idea to use one provider for all your medical supply needs. This strategy can significantly reduce the amount of administration that is required when ordering supplies. It will also help to develop a strong and positive relationship with your provider, meaning they will be able to offer more tailored advice and recommendations.
Finally, consider partnering with a local provider of medical supplies in Australia. Here at Paragon Care, we have been providing top-quality supplies for medical facilities across the Australian and New Zealand regions for many years now. This has led us to develop a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing metropolitan and regional facilities. Our experience means we can provide tailored advice that takes into account emerging trends across the local medical industry.
Paragon Care — your partner in medical supplies
Here at Paragon Care, we are proud of our extensive medical equipment portfolio. Having been established in 2008, we have grown to be a leading provider of medical supplies in Australia and are constantly looking for opportunities to further cement this reputation.
Our equipment portfolio is comprehensive and led by our many industry-specific brands. Whether you are in need of innovative ophthalmology devices or leading neonatal products, we are certain that we will be able to assist.
To learn more about our product portfolio, contact the friendly and experienced team at Paragon Care today. We are passionate about helping our clients to build resilient supply chains that support high-quality patient care.