How to Reduce Mismanagement of Medical Linen and Uniforms

Employees and patients taking linen and uniforms is an expensive problem in the medical industry. Between employees taking uniforms home and patients keeping linens, nearly $840 million worth of medical linens and uniforms go missing every year. Here is how you can reduce this problem in your medical facility today: 

Increase Helpful Signage

Towels and bed sheets are commonly taken items from hospital rooms. Patients or their visitors may feel it is ok to take linen with them when they leave. This is similar to why some people take items from hotels; they don’t see the harm in taking a few items here and there.Additionally, some patients may take items from their hospital room by mistake. It isn’t uncommon for people to mix up hospital linens with their own. Either way, this ongoing problem can have a negative impact on your medical business. An effective way to combat this issue is with bright, visible signs in rooms or wherever taking linen is likely to take place. Having a sign that simply says “Please check your bags for hospital linens before you leave!” can serve as a great reminder to patients.

Discuss the Topic of Taking Linen Home with Patients

If a moment to discuss taking linen home comes up, your employees should be prepared. Whether it’s a nurse administering medications or a resident on rounds, there are moments for conversation throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to bring up this topic. Most patients aren’t taking linens out of malice, but out of misunderstanding. Bringing the issue out of the dark could have a powerful impact on a patient’s decision to take or leave items. 

Keep Your Employees Aware

If your employees know that they need to talk about this issue with their patients, it will help keep the issue fresh in their minds. When employees are aware, they will be less likely to accidentally bring uniforms or medical linens home with them.In a busy medical facility, employees and patients alike may be unaware of this issue at all. Educating employees is a great step in bringing this issue to the forefront. Train employees to converse with both patients and each other. This will start a meaningful dialogue for everyone.

The Seamless Solution: Professional Linen Management with FDR Services

When you have a time-tested, accredited, and industry-leading provider in charge of your linens, linen loss is easier to manage. FDR has the resources, experience, and professional expertise to handle your linens, uniforms, and their management. We also provide embroidery services, mop and mat rental, and scrub dispensing systems.For more information, give us a call at 1(800) FDR-0097, visit our website, or request a quote!