Lean for Factories, Lean for Hospitals

Local manufacturer touts lean procedures – 2005-12-01

Here’s an article from Charlotte NC that mentions lean success stories in a factory and a local hospital.

Gastonia-based CaroMont Health began implementing lean techniques in 2004 and has saved thousands of dollars and improved patient care, said Julie Botchuck, the health-care company’s process-improvement executive.

“This is phenomenal, easy stuff,” she said.

New procedures have helped CaroMont move patient records faster, ensured surgical procedures start on time and speeded up laboratory tests, Botchuck said. That has improved patient and staff satisfaction, the hospital says.

“What you have to do is roll up your sleeves and just do it,” Botchuck said.

As the factory plant manager is quoted as saying, “If you’re not using lean in your business, you’re missing the boat”.

About LeanBlog.org: Mark Graban is a consultant, author, and speaker in the “lean healthcare” methodology, focused on improving quality and patient safety, improving access, reducing costs, and fully engaging healthcare professionals. He is also the Chief Improvement Officer for KaiNexus.