Crothall Momentum

Environmental Services–

Crothall Standardization Looks at DNV Healthcare

Healthcare clients aligned with ISO 9001, the internationally recognized set of standards used to measure quality and accountability in dozens of industries, may be turning to DNV Healthcare in its new role as deeming authority for Medicare participants. DNV’s accreditation program, known as NIAHO (National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations), encompasses the ISO 9001 practices, becoming the more practical accreditation survey process for those hoping to achieve 2 certifications with one process. Crothall Environmental Services systems and standards are currently being reviewed for alignment with DNV’s process. According to Rich Feczko, National Director of Systems and Standards, Crothall systems are preliminarily in compliance. “All departments are reviewing operations, training, human resources, safety, and other requirements, and so far, we are in total compliance.”

Laundry & Linen–

Green Efforts Produce Green Savings

Crothall Laundry Services is proving that going green can also mean saving money on the bottom line. Implementation of an Aqua Compact water reclamation system at Crothall Laundry Services–Red Wing in conjunction with a 16-Pocket Senking automatic, batch-washing tunnel system has already saved the hospital over $80,000. GM Mike Sing and RM Chris Corcoran worked with Eco Lab to install the device and measure the results. In the process, water is taken from the final rinse zone, then piped directly back for use in the initial wash zone and one wet-out process. 5.5 million fewer gallons of fresh water, or 41%, were used with no negative effect to product quality. With less water, energy required for heating is reduced, saving over $80,000. A sewer meter has also saved 28% on sewer charges since evaporation in the process reduces the amount of discharged water from the plant.

Patient Transportation–

The “Movement” to Improve Patient Experience

finding that understanding the nuances of HCAHPS takes expert service providers dedicated to improving patient satisfaction. Crothall Patient Transportation is exploring a mechanism that will design and measure seven strategies for this service line. After all, patient transporters influence the patient’s first and last impression of the hospital and every movement during their stay. Our pending PT patient satisfaction toolbox will enhance transporters’ ability to serve as hospital ambassadors every time they move patients. This includes global service scripting so that we can positively impact HCAHPS or any other hospital objective by establishing supportive two-way communication with patients. With serious focus on patients’ needs, expectations, transporter behavior, and scripting, we can elevate patient satisfaction to the next level, retaining loyal patients and attracting new ones.

Facilities Management–

Benchmarking Energy Consumption

Healthcare clients everywhere are now facing rising utility costs at a time when their financial health is more challenged than ever. In an attempt to provide client savings, Crothall’s Project Services Group will benchmark utility consumption at each of our Facilities Management healthcare client sites and identify those accounts that indicate the greatest opportunity for efficiency improvements. Those facilities determined to be performing weakly will be targeted for a site survey to identify key drivers behind excessive utility consumption. Findings and recommendations will be presented, including low-cost, operationally focused improvements that can be implemented by or through Crothall’s onsite staff. The performance goal for selected sites will be to reduce their utility consumption by 5% within 12 months.

Clinical Equipment Services–

Web-Based Service Requests Expedite Technician Notification

Clinical Equipment user departments in hospitals, often mired down by time wasted in the jumble of forms or phone calls required to get service on their equipment, can now use the web to request service. Crothall Clinical Equipment Services now offers direct entry of a service request through the Internet by any authorized user in our TeamTRACE Management software. In facilities with wireless capabilities, the request is sent directly to the technicians for immediate attention. The Service Requester is extremely user-friendly with simple entry fields. In addition, the module provides interactive feedback between the requester and technicians. Requesters can even check the status of any service order directly from their Internet browser. Equipment operators, clinical managers, or administrators are able to generate a request for service when they need their life-critical, specialized equipment to work, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.