For the Amsterdam UMC - location AMC - Willem Hoek and Ellen ten Kate carried out an optimization project for the Central Sterilization Department (CSA). After contracting out the CSA department, a number of bottlenecks arose, for which the Amsterdam UMC called in Coppa's expertise.
Mapping bottlenecks
The CSA works closely with Medical Device Management (BMH). On site at the AMC, the process of instrumentation (including management) from the CSA to the various internal customers (OR, day center, outpatient clinics, etc.) was followed and interviews were conducted with CSA and BMH employees to identify bottlenecks.
Using the available data, an analysis was performed for routing, availability and requests of the instruments. Based on this information, the proposal for solving the bottlenecks was presented to the management.
Actions and support
The departments then took up various actions together with Willem and Ellen to effect the optimization of the work processes. For example, work agreements were made for the incomplete grids, replenishment of the grids, system design (including track & trace) and coordination with other departments. The recommendation to abolish the night shift was also realized. For the purpose of the CSA renovation, an external unit was placed on the AMC grounds. Coppa provided support in moving the CSA and BMH to the temporary accommodation.