Staff share dozens of bright ideas

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an idea (or half a dozen ideas!) on ways to address our budget deficit and use our resources more wisely by cutting unnecessary costs, identifying spending efficiencies, improving processes, etc. Since the call went earlier this week, 25 people submitted 55 ideas.

Please keep those bright ideas coming!

Ideas received so far range from the administrative – such as emailing pay stubs to save paper and envelopes, designate a centralized area for unwanted supplies where others could go to get what they need, and implement access cards for photocopiers in central locations – to the operational – such as replenishing medical supplies at Minoru on an as needed basis, buy smaller supplies and re-sterilize instruments instead of throwing away the part of the dressing tray that is not used, and identify ways not to waste so much oxygen tubing in the ED and Ambulatory Care.

We also received a number of revenue generation ideas, such as organizing healthcare training in the auditorium with partial proceeds going to the instructor and the rest to the hospital, and arranging with the local recycling facility to give people the option to donate their refunds to the hospital.

All of the ideas are being reviewed and investigated, and we will implement those that prove to be feasible.

Do you see an area where we could be doing things differently to reduce our costs without impacting patient, client or resident care? For example, do you carry multiple variations of the same supply that could be standardized? Do you see a lot of wasted materials? If so, simply send an email with a brief description to Richmondideas@vch.ca. We’ll do the rest.

While the submissions aren’t anonymous, please note that there will be no repercussions for anyone submitting any type of idea, and all are welcome!