Transforming the Process of Safe and Efficient Management of Oxygen Cylinders
Care Process & Redesign
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
SingHealth
31 December 2021
Ensure a lean supply of oxygen cylinders, reduce wastage, and streamline cylinder exchange processes. Improved oxygen cylinder management, reduced costs, optimized processes, and enhanced patient care.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workforce Transformation, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Operational Management, Inventory Management, Supply Chain, Job Redesign, Upskilling
About this Content
Aims
Ensure a lean supply of oxygen cylinders, reduce wastage, and streamline cylinder exchange processes.
Background
Oxygen cylinder management was labor-intensive, inefficient, and costly, burdening nurses and support staff.
Methods
Implemented digital integrated cylinders; piloted portering rounds; reduced cylinder levels after reviewing par data.
Results
Reduced cylinder usage by 48.9% (2016–2020); achieved annual cost savings of $70,385.86 and 0.5 FTE manpower savings.
Conclusion
Improved oxygen cylinder management, reduced costs, optimized processes, and enhanced patient care.
Lessons Learnt
Collaboration and upskilling porters eased nursing workload; continuous improvement requires stakeholder engagement.
Additional Information
Sustained results through collaboration, training, and iterative improvements.
Keywords
Workforce Transformation, Oxygen Management, Cost Savings, Digital Cylinders, Lean Process
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Changi General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Hiew Swee Him |
Project Member(s) | Lau Soy Soy |
Connect with this contributor!
Hiew Swee Him - Swee_Sim_Hiew@cgh.com.sg