Equipment Storage

[deborahc@nshs.edu]

We are thinking about creating an equipment library. The responsibility for this will be under Materials Management. My question is in regards to logistics. Do I need to keep all cleaned and ready equipment in a SEPARATE room or can it be cordoned off in the same room? Thank you

[jrc]

You do not need a separate equipment room per se, but I would make sure that the equipment is treated as you would treat sterile supplies. There should be limited through traffic and no external shipping cartons. Other concerns:
1) You will need lots of electrical outlets. IV pumps, PCA's, food pumps, etc. need to be plugged in to keep the backup batteries charged.
2) Where will you be cleaning it?
3) Will you transport soiled units through the public hallways? If so, it should be covered to prevent cross-contamination.
4) How will people know which is soiled and which is clean (JCAHO likes to ask that particular question)?
5) Who will handle transportation of the equipment? That actually takes up a big chunk of labor. The clinical units will of course say they are too busy to come and get it. Do you have the staff to deliver it? Are volunteers available to deliver it?
6) Who pays for repair parts?
7) Will the clinical units cooperate with the concept of a centralized inventory, or will they horde equipment (preventing you from having what you need to give another unit)?
8) Who will be responsible for identifying equipment due for preventive maintenance?

I don't mean to overwhelm you, but there is a lot to work out when you decide to centralize the equipment inventory. It can work well, but if you don't get buy-in from the clinical departments to trust you to have it for them, all your plans will fail because they will stash it away.

Good luck!