Supply Chain Resilience
Our goal: reduce risk, improve reliability, and ensure continuity of care, no matter what disruptions arise.
From climate-related disruptions to global shortages and geopolitical shifts, healthcare systems face increasing challenges that can impact operations and patient care. According to the American Hospital Association, nearly 80% of hospitals faced supply chain concerns during the pandemic, with almost half struggling to secure essential medical supplies.
At Kimball Sustainable Healthcare, we help hospitals navigate the growing risks and complexities of today’s supply chain landscape.
Building Resilient Supply Chain Solutions
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System-Level Alignment
We design supply chain strategies that integrate an organization’s clinical, financial, and sustainability goals, so you’re not just solving today’s problems, but building long-term solutions.
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Policy and Standards Development
We work with system leaders to establish governance structures, procurement policies and standards, and stakeholder education, with an eye toward quality improvement, performance, and cost savings.
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Operational Implementation
From concept to execution, we help integrate best practices into daily operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and frontline adoption.
- Conversion to Reprocessables and Reusables
- Surgical Kit Reformulation
- Preference Card Optimization
Solutions built for healthcare.
Case Study
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience through Sustainable Practices
Operating rooms (ORs) are responsible for up to 70% of a hospital’s waste, providing a significant opportunity for waste reduction. A substantial portion of OR waste comes from single-use devices, opened but unused supplies, and incorrectly sorted materials. These practices not only contribute to material waste but also represent the wasted energy and resources used in their production. Transitioning from disposable to reusable or reprocessable alternatives offers an opportunity to minimize environmental impacts, increase supply chain resilience, while ensuring patient safety and maintaining operational efficiency.
Reusable Anesthesia Circuits
Through the implementation of a reusable anesthesia circuit program, several operating rooms at an ambulatory surgical center transitioned from single-use to 24-hour, multi-use anesthesia circuits. The initiative aimed to reduce waste and procurement volumes, while maintaining the safety and effectiveness of anesthesia delivery.
Implementation Strategy
Stakeholder Collaboration
The program involved close collaboration among anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians, infection prevention, supply chain, and sustainability program staff to ensure smooth implementation and adherence to protocols.
Staff Training and Protocols
Anesthesiologists and anesthesia technicians received comprehensive training on cleaning, sterilization, and assembly of reusable circuits, validated by the infection prevention team.
Program Outcomes
Waste Reduction
44% reduction in daily waste from single-use anesthesia circuits.
Cost Savings
Shift from one circuit per case to one reusable circuit per OR per day.
Fewer disposable circuits = long-term cost reductions.
Supply Chain Resilience
Reduced volume requirements ease dependency on high-frequency procurement.
Financial and product resilience increased by lowering vulnerability to disruptions.
Operational Impact
Reduced OR waste lightens the load on environmental services, cutting hauling costs.
Vendor Partnerships
The reusable circuit manufacturer was actively engaged onsite throughout the program implementation, offering technical support and ensuring proper integration of the reusable circuits into the clinical workflow.
Resilience is strategy.
Resilient supply chains are a strategic investment in stability, performance, and long-term financial success.
We work with hospitals to identify vulnerabilities, build flexibility into sourcing strategies, and strengthen supplier partnerships.
Let’s Talk Strategy.
Ready to cut costs, reduce waste, and strengthen your supply chain?
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