Bidding Farewell to OEM Dependence: Infirmary Health’s Path to $2M in Savings.

A comprehensive evaluation of Infirmary Health’s healthcare technology management program revealed several key areas for improvement, highlighting opportunities to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and elevate the overall quality of service:

Cost Dynamics: Costly training expenses and high parts costs often lead in-house HTM programs, including Infirmary Health, to rely on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service contracts. This reliance underscores the opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the program.

Process Variability: Varied processes and procedures across Infirmary’s facilities have introduced inefficiencies and inconsistencies in quality, alongside potential safety risks. This highlights a crucial area for improvement.

“We evaluated multiple vendors to assist us with our equipment and technology management program. After multiple vendor proposals and presentations, it was very clear that Crothall was best positioned to manage this arena for us. We have been very pleased with their implementation of a standardized solution across all of our facilities. Their quick response and vetted sources for OEM parts have helped ensure uptime of our imaging equipment. After-hours support and quick movement to source parts have proven to keep critical equipment in service with minimal impact to operations.”
— Alan Holley, Senior Vice President Supply Chain and Support Services, Infirmary Health Inc.

One standard, One solution, spanning three acute care facilities, three post-acute care facilities, and three ambulatory surgery centers.

Solutions

Solution 1: Prioritize in-house and regional expertise to reduce reliance on costly external OEM contracts.
• Integrate existing team of 22 biomed technicians and imaging engineers.
Attract top-tier talent to further build a capable, responsive in-house team ready to meet the system’s needs.
• Implement comprehensive training to enhance the team’s skills in preparation for the transition from OEM service contracts.

Solution 2: Centralize and streamline service requests and standardize operations across all three hospitals to address inefficiencies stemming from varied service processes.
• Introduce a single point-of-contact and unify procedures through standardized practices, operating instructions, and Medical Equipment Management Plans (MEMP) to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.

Solution 3: Leverage Crothall’s extensive network of regional resources, remote support, and a specialized team from Gulfport Hospital, MS, to gain additional imaging expertise.
• Strategically located forward-stocking locations facilitate quick access
to critical parts and components, enabling faster service resolution and
minimizing downtime.

Results

• $2M Annual Cost Savings  
• 1 Hour Guaranteed emergency on-site response (faster than OEM)
• 98% Mission-Critical Device Uptime