What began as a vision to improve medical equipment management has grown into a Logan Hospital legacy, with the model now attracting interest from other Metro South Health hospitals.
Established in 2005, the Central Clinical Equipment Service (CCES) coordinates the efficient and reliable delivery and collection of equipment to support clinical areas across the hospital.
During recent 20-year celebrations, Manager of Health Technologies Robyn Lange shared how CCES had grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the hospital and lead the way for other facilities.
“The CCES was conceived by the hospital’s then Director of Surgical Services Peter Brinkman, who saw the need for an equipment management system tailored to Logan’s needs to help staff access the equipment they needed, while improving safety, efficiency and utilisation,” she said.
“One of our IT experts Tim Georges developed an internet-based asset tracking program for the unit and, with modifications over the years, it is still used by CCES today.”
The team began managing equipment in October 2006, initially supporting Ward 3B before expanding across the hospital.
“I had a good rapport with Ward 3B after previously working as a nurse on the ward, and they were willing to give up the one Nimbus mattress they had, which they used to hide away!”
“Over two or three weeks, we started sourcing equipment from other areas of the hospital. Now, 20 years later, we manage equipment across the whole hospital using a coded tracking system that helps staff identify equipment quickly and a computer-based ordering system that allows clinical staff to request equipment for delivery, often within 20 minutes.”
The unit has also helped advance medical technology at Logan, including through the introduction of the Hospira infusion system, which brought Wi-Fi connectivity and drug library functionality to infusion pumps.
The model’s success has attracted interest from other hospitals, with Princess Alexandra, Redland and QEII hospitals adopting, adapting or exploring aspects of Logan’s approach.
Today, the team focuses on providing clean, safe and tracked equipment, extending the life of valuable assets through careful maintenance and ensuring equipment is available when and where it is needed.
“As the hospital continues to grow, we are looking forward to expanding the CCES to support the hospital’s new Building 4, where we will have a small satellite room,” Robyn said.