A Prescription for Success: Why Hiring a Facilities Management Company is Vital for Healthcare Clinics

Running a healthcare clinic is no easy task; patient care is just the tip of the iceberg. Clinic administrators juggle compliance, safety, and day-to-day operations. But fear not! Enter the facility management company and its maintenance staff!

This is the group that can make all the difference. Learn how relying on an outsourced facility management company for your healthcare clinic can revolutionize and supercharge your operations.

Medical Staff is Only One Arm of Care in a Clinic

Visits to a health clinic or an ambulatory healthcare clinic are rising. (Think urgent Care, dialysis clinic, or physical therapy locations, and the like.) These locations require intense cleaning and adherence to regulatory and medical compliance.

Because many people in the United States do not have a primary care physician (due to alack of insurance or inability to travel to a physician’s physical location),they will seek care in an urgent care or ambulatory clinic.

The disparity between those who visit their primary care doctor to proactivity catch an issue, and those who do not is on the rise. And for a large percentage of people in the United States, they only visit a clinic once the issue has presented itself.

This is only one of the many reasons that clinics are challenged with an overwhelming number of patients. Therefore, it is imperative that these clinics have all the tools they need to run efficiently, hygienically, and without incident.

According to the CDC, the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is quickly becoming a top concern. Why is this a big red flag for the facility management community?

The physical environment is the fourth leading source of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). While the number of HAIs caused by therapy and actual hands-on care is reducing, the number of HAIs associated with the care setting is growing.

This is something that is within the facility manager’s control. If there is any way a facility manager or director of operations at a clinic can help control patient care, it is by using a modern, focused, and understanding commercial cleaning partner to keep the locations, and patients,safe.

Using commercial cleaners in a facility management organization who align themselves with the goals of each unique facility, is the only way the number of HAIs will decrease. When the facility management organization within a clinic views itself as a proud partner of patient health, the quality of patient care increases.

Here’s how those commercial cleaners and their facility management teamscan specifically help save lives:

1.      Efficient Facility Operations:

Healthcare clinics are complex facilities that require careful management to ensure smooth operations. A facility management company brings expertise in overseeing all aspects of facility management, including cleaning and maintenance, repairs, safety inspections, and vendor management.

They develop and implement processes and protocols to streamline facility operations, ensuring that the clinic runs efficiently and without disruptions to allow staff to focus on their true job—providing quality patient care without worrying about facility-related issues.

2.      Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:

Healthcare clinics are subject to numerous federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penalties and create a dangerous situation. A well-rounded facility management company is well-versed in these regulations and ensures that the clinic meets all the necessary requirements.

What’s more, those regulatory requirements are there for a reason. And a modern facilities management company will be your partner in keeping patients and guests safe from further germs and viruses.

3.      Cost-Effective Resource Management:

Managing the resources of a healthcare clinic, including utilities, equipment, supplies, and more, can be challenging. A facility management company can monitor and manage these resources efficiently, ensuring they are used effectively and economically.

They can analyze data and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption, optimize equipment usage, and minimize waste. By implementing cost-effective resource management practices, a facility management company can help healthcare clinics save on operational costs, improving the clinic's financial health.

4.      Emergency Preparedness and Safety:

‍Healthcare clinics must be prepared for emergencies and ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Your facility management company can help you develop and implement emergency preparedness plans and can conduct regular safety inspections, identify potential hazards, and implement corrective measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

By proactively managing emergency preparedness and safety, a facility management company minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures the clinic is prepared to handle any unforeseen situations.

5.      Vendor Management and Contract Negotiation:

Healthcare clinics often work with multiple vendors and service providers for various facility-related services, such as maintenance, repairs, janitorial, and security. Managing these relationships and negotiating contracts can be time-consuming and complex.

A facility management company takes on this responsibility, overseeing vendor management and scheduling. This allows clinic administrators to focus on other critical aspects of clinic management, knowing that their facility-related needs are well managed.

6.      Capital Planning and Asset Management:

Healthcare clinics invest significantly in physical assets, such as buildings, equipment, and technology. The facility management company conducts regular assessments to identify maintenance needs, plan for capital expenditures, and manage asset lifecycles to maximize their value. This proactive approach ensures that the clinic's assets are protected and their lifespan is extended. This results in long-term cost savings.

A healthcare clinic is vital and cherished in any community. Whether it’s a dialysis center, urgent care, or even a blood donation center, these are places of wellness and tranquility.

A focused and mature facility management company is  a vital partner in ensuring that people are cared for, nurtured, and kept safe from HAIs.

OpenWorks can be  your vital partner in ensuring that people are cared for, nurtured, and kept safe. Find out more about how OpenWorks can help you with your healthcare facility disinfection and management.

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