Category: Medical

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Specialization in Medical Organization

Organization: a common issue that many hospitals have.

Healthcare facilities are huge and making sure that everything runs smoothly can be quite challenging, but having the right equipment can make a big difference in ensuring that routine tasks can be executed effortlessly. The Preciso Medical Cart line from Lakeside gives you everything you need to make sure that your healthcare facility can stay organized and perform daily tasks more efficiently.

Preciso medical carts are much more than just an average cart you’d find in any hospital, it’s a complete hospital-wide lean replenishment system for supply handling and logistics. The Preciso line comes in all different sizes but each model has special features that can integrate together to create the perfect storage and supply system. The Preciso medical carts are designed specifically to save your staff time organizing and handling supplies, so that they can spend their time with what matters the most, patients.

Here are just some of the innovative features that make the Preciso carts one of a kind:

Removable Storage Compartments

The entire line of Preciso carts in built to accommodate the removable storage compartments as this is the most prominent aspect of the innovative carts. The Preciso Logistics Supply Carts are the perfect home base for all of your supplies, and work with drawers, doors, bins, and trays. These compartments are interchangeable and fit into all of the Preciso Medical Carts so that extra time isn’t wasted finding the right supplies and loading up a cart to move them around. Instead the central supply station can be pre-filled with all of the supplies that you may need, and when it’s time to refill or switch out the contents, it’s as easy as swapping out the trays and you’re on your way. All of the Preciso carts are designed to accommodate multiple sized shelves and drawers so that you can bring along any supplies you may need.

Color ID Tags and Label Holders

At first it might seem like this could get disorganized, but the Preciso line comes with color ID tags and label holders on the drawers so you know exactly what supplies you are grabbing to transport around the facility. Additionally, the color ID tags can be customized so that they work with your facility’s color already existing color organization scheme.

Extendable Side Shelf

The Preciso medical carts come equipped with a handy extendable side shelf. This side shelf is a great solution if you find that you could use extra worksurface without having to give up space for bulky tables or other pieces of equipment. Some Preciso carts also come with a lateral computer drawer for a great space area using a laptop, and even has a spot for your mouse. The Preciso carts can be your office away from your office and function throughout the facility.

Plastic and Aluminum Hybrid Construction

Preciso medical carts are constructed with a hybrid of aluminum and plastic to ensure great durability while also providing a lightweight, maneuverable cart.

ABS Plastic Top

All of the carts in the Preciso family have a molded ABS plastic top and base. The ABS plastic material makes the carts super easy to sanitize and adds extra worksurface on the top of the cart.

Dual Wheel Non-Marking Casters

These premium 5” casters are double wheeled which ensures stability while transporting supplies in the carts. The casters are also non-marking and anti-thread so that the carts won’t leave an unpleasant trail even when completely loaded up with supplies. Two of the casters are locking to make sure that your cart stays where it needs to be in storage or when in use.

Other Accessories

Preciso medical carts also come with a ton of available accessories so that you can customize the cart to make it an even better fit for your facility. The Preciso medical carts can function in many different parts of a hospital and with the robust customization options and quick turnaround of contents they can do many jobs in one day.

The Preciso line for logistics and supply handling offers the ultimate flexibility as well as versatility in your facility. There is so many different ways to use these innovative carts that support lean principles and efficient operations. The Preciso system can help staff save tons of time that is usually spent loading up supplies as well as cleaning and disinfecting. With Preciso, clean supplies can already be stored in drawers that then just have to be switched from the central supply hub into a medical cart and then no time is wasted before the supplies are on their way where they need to be. The Preciso carts also have an attractive, modern design and come in many different natural colors to ensure that they will look just as good as they work in your hospital.

If you think that your healthcare facility is wasting precious time with too many trips back and forth from a central supply area, Preciso is the answer for you. Check out all the different types of Preciso carts and this video showing off some of the innovative features of the line. Get in touch with us and let’s figure out how Preciso can help your facility save time and improve its flexibility!

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Made in USA Products are the Solution to Supply Chain Problems

When the coronavirus nearly brought the world as we knew it to a halt, supply chain issues and shortages of essential goods impacted everyone, but especially impacted the healthcare industry. US hospitals and other healthcare facilities struggled to get the PPE and other essential equipment that they needed to fight the pandemic.  

 

The US healthcare supply chain was very dependent on Asian countries, specifically China, to supply the needed healthcare equipment and supplies. However, as the pandemic hit China and other Asian counties first, the supply of equipment that was usually shipped over to the US was needed in their own countries, and the shipments began to slowdown and stop altogether.  

 

In response to the shortages of PPE and other essential medical equipment, many US manufacturers stepped up and shifted their production in order to help meet the healthcare needs. Lakeside shifted its production and began to manufacture IV poles in order to help meet the increased demand that came with the pandemic. Other US suppliers completely changed their products in order to help out with the new demand as well. Tito’s for example, an Austin based distiller, began to produce and supply hand sanitizer instead of their usual vodka. Smaller material and clothes manufacturers also shifted from their usual products to begin making masks in order to protect the public and supply needed PPE to Americans.  

 

Although things are starting to get back to normal since the start of the pandemic, it’s important to remember the shortcomings of the healthcare supply chain that were highlighted during the early stages of COVID and take them into consideration going forward. Domestic sourcing for healthcare supplies and medical equipment is crucial for sustaining normal day-to-day operations in the case of another global disaster. In addition to supporting local suppliers and boosting the domestic economy, products that are “Made in USA” have many benefits that international products can’t match.  

 

Here are a just a few of the benefits of purchasing medical equipment that is made in America:  

 

Helps create and maintain jobs in the US: Purchasing goods from US suppliers helps boost the economy by ensuring that manufacturers have a demand for their product. This demand allows them to allocate more money into manufacturing and creates stable jobs for Americans for years to come.  

 

Improves the independence of the US: As illustrated by the pandemic, the United States healthcare industry has been very dependent on foreign countries to supply essential medical supplies. However, in the case of a global pandemic or other global disruption, this supply can’t always be trusted to come through and help in times of need. Purchasing medical supplies from US-based manufacturers proves that there is a market for the products, and promotes increased domestic manufacturing, which allows for better responses to future disasters. Additionally, purchasing domestic products improves the overall independence of the country and allow for the US to no have to rely on foreign entities for essential supplies.  

 

Reduces shipping time and costs: When you purchase equipment from US suppliers, you don’t have to worry about waiting a long time just for the equipment to be shipped into the country. Depending on what type of equipment a facility is looking to purchase, they could have to wait months for it to actually get to them after the order if they purchase from a foreign manufacturer. Meanwhile, products that are made in the USA are able to be shipped and arrive at a facility much faster than comparable international products.  

 

Better quality and safety standards: The United States has much higher standards for workers’ safety than some international manufacturers, which means that buying from domestic manufacturers ensures safe work environments. US suppliers are also able to manage the manufacturing process very closely and ensure that the equipment is the best possible quality. Purchasing medical equipment from US suppliers means that the products were made in a safe and sustainable way.  

 

Improved ability for customization: Another great benefit of purchasing from US manufacturers is that they will likely be more willing to work with you to create the perfect equipment fit for your facility. Many US manufacturers have the capability and willingness to listen to what your facility needs and work with you to make it happen. Most foreign suppliers will just try to sell you what they already have in stock, even if it isn’t the exact solution you’re looking for. Lakeside Manufacturing on the other hand, has Lakeside Custom Solutions, which is completely dedicated to listening to customer needs and designing the perfect solution for your healthcare facility.  

 

Lakeside understands these various benefits, which is why all of our products are designed and manufactured in our state-of-the-art facility in Wisconsin. In addition to our products proudly being made in the USA, we are still dedicated to supplying our healthcare system with the supplies that they need to deal with COVID. Our Rapid Response Quick-Ship products are designed to supply all the essential equipment necessities to deal with the coronavirus. These products are in stock and ready to be shipped out immediately so you don’t have to wait months to get the equipment that you need now. Check out these innovative essentials here, and get in touch with us for a quote and lead time information!  

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The Healthcare Industry is Working to Reduce their Carbon Footprint

The healthcare industry one of the most important sectors in the world. 

Every year healthcare workers save thousands of lives and help make the world an overall healthier place. However, for how much good the healthcare industry does in the world, it also has some negative effects on the global environment.  

 The healthcare industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the world, which can cause serious health issues for some regions. In fact, the healthcare industry is responsible for 4.4% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. That’s the equivalent of 514 coal fired power plants. To put this into perspective, if the global healthcare sector were a country, it would be the world’s 5th largest emitter of greenhouse gasses. Although this is a global issue, the United States is no innocent bystander as they have the largest share of healthcare greenhouse gas emissions of all countries at a staggering 27%. The second largest contributor is China who accounts for 17%.  

 This issue has gotten a lot more attention in recent years and many healthcare facilities worldwide are making changes to try to limit their contribution to the problem. For example, in the US several Boston-area hospitals and clinical institutes announced a commitment to decarbonize. The University of California system has pledged to become completely reliant on clean electricity for its campuses and medical centers by 2025. The Cleveland Clinic is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2027. Additionally, many hospitals throughout the US have received LEED certifications, a program that rates environmentally friendly buildings.  

 Reducing the carbon footprint of a healthcare facility is a very challenging task overall, but when breaking it down there’s some straightforward steps that hospitals can take. Here’s a few examples of what facilities are doing to improve their carbon footprint:  

 Renewable Energy

Energy use is a big contributor to the carbon footprint of the healthcare industry with over half of total carbon footprint stemming from it. Shifting to clean energy and electricity sources can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of facilities with many already doing so. For example, the University of Vermont Medical Center uses a solar panel array on its rooftop to generate some of its energy. The Center also participates in the Vermont Gas Renewable Natural Gas Program that captures methane from a landfill in Quebec. Another facility that uses clean energy is the Boston Medical Center that buys electricity from Summit Farms, a 650 acre solar panel farm in North Carolina. The Boston Medical Center is able to eliminate about 119,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year by doing so. The University of California in San Diego has two medical centers that are working to reduce their energy use and find renewable options in order to meet their goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2025. They currently buy some sustainable energy from the University of California but they will likely have to explore other options, as the university has also prohibited any new buildings from using fossil fuels.  

 Improving Energy Efficiency

It may seem like an obvious way to reduce the carbon footprint, but improving the efficiency of energy use in healthcare facilities can drastically improve their carbon emissions and save millions of dollars in the long run. That’s why large medical systems like the University of Wisconsin Health in Madison is taking a variety of energy saving steps. The health system has begun using lighting controlled LEDs, installed high- efficiency equipment, and added HVAC occupancy sensors and demand-reduction strategies. Other facilities like the Ahuja Medical Center in Ohio feature a smart building design in order to be able to use natural light and rely less on artificial lighting. The same facility also has a white roof which absorbs less heat and leads to savings in HVAC costs.

 It can be expensive initially to make the change to using energy smarter, but it can save loads of money for the facilities in the long run. The Boston Medical Center’s energy-saving measures have reduced their operating costs by almost $25 million. The Cleveland Clinic has reduced its energy use intensity by around 19%, which in turn as saved its facilities around $50 million.  

 Reducing Waste and Recycling

Hospitals generate over 5 million tons of waste every year including normal trash and regulated medical waste, which can be harder to dispose of. Reducing waste and implementing robust recycling programs can be a tricky task, but hospitals have began to take on the challenge. Facilities such as the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota operate their own recycling center where they recycle plastics and glass. This center also recycles surgical blue wrap that they then sell to a company that converts it back into polypropylene. The University of Vermont has a similar program that has diverted 50 tons of blue wrap since 2010. Making the effort to implement a recycling program and taking steps to reduce the amount of waste will greatly improve the carbon footprint of the healthcare industry, especially if more and more hospitals begin to do so.  

 There are many different ways that a healthcare facility can reduce its own carbon footprint and all of them should be explored. Using equipment that is more efficient both energy-wise and time-wise is an excellent place to start. If a facility doesn’t use the right equipment for their needs, they could be wasting time, money, and hurting their own carbon emissions at the same time.  

 Lakeside Manufacturing understands the benefits of using high-efficiency equipment and is here to help outfit any hospital with the right equipment for their facility. Whether your facility needs a new standardized supply and distribution system, or a completely custom line of equipment, Lakeside is here to work with you to ensure that your facility is performing to the best of its abilities. We would love to hear about your facilities’ challenges and work together to come up with the best solution to save you time and money. Get in touch and let’s figure out how to improve your carbon footprint together!  

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Lead Times will Make or Break the Healthcare Industry

In the healthcare industry, time is one of the most valuable assets. 

Hospitals can’t afford to waste time waiting for the supplies that they need to perform their daily jobs, which is why lead times for healthcare equipment are a huge factor in the purchasing decision. The importance of lead times and the supply chain was highlighted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with healthcare facilities struggling to get the essential supplies that they desperately needed. In fact, around 60-80% of healthcare organizations reported that they experienced delays or increased lead times since the beginning of the pandemic. A common response to these unexpected delays was for facilities to increase their inventory so that they didn’t have to rely on third parties to deliver solid lead times.  

 There are many common challenges that the healthcare industry can run into when it comes to lead times including: 

 Supply Issues

One of the most common problems that healthcare facilities experience is issues with the supply of the product they need. Many suppliers won’t have the product on hand and have to either get it shipped or manufactured specifically for an order. This can be a lengthy process and cause an extensive increase to lead times. The onset of COVID really exposed how bad this problem can become. At the beginning of the pandemic everybody was scrambling to get the supplies that were needed, such as PPE. That is exactly where the issue started because everyone around the world needed the same supplies, and the US was largely dependent on foreign countries, such as China, to supply these products. However, China and other large manufacturing countries in the region needed the supplies for themselves, meaning that the amount that were able to get shipped to the US went down drastically. This caused many US hospitals to struggle to get various supplies and equipment they needed to treat patients infected with the coronavirus.  

 The pandemic is obviously an unexpected circumstance that nobody was prepared for, but it certainly showed the downfalls of the healthcare supply chain and exposed the problems that can arise from increased lead times due to supply issues.  

Damaged Products

Another issue that hospitals experience when purchasing equipment and supplies is damaged products. There’s not much worse than having to wait a grueling amount of time for equipment to be delivered only to find it has been damaged when it finally arrives. This causes serious problems and is likely more common than you would think. A facility then has to report the damaged products and wait even more time for its replacement to come. Products arriving damaged are an issue that happens in most industries, but in the healthcare industry it can be a more serious issue than others if the product is needed to treat a patient.  

Third Party Issues

Many suppliers to the healthcare industry rely on third party freight companies to handle the shipment and delivery of their products. This usually isn’t an issue and is a very normal way for large suppliers to handle their business. However, this can also become a problem if there’s poor communication between the supplier and the freight company, or if the freight company experiences internal problems, because those usually translate into extended lead times.  

 There are many common challenges that can cause lead times to increase, and in the healthcare industry that can be extremely time-sensitive, this is something that cannot be acceptable in certain situations.  

 As a supplier to the healthcare industry, Lakeside Manufacturing understands the importance of lead times and works to minimize the amount of time that you’re waiting from order to arrival. The average lead time in the healthcare industry can vary depending on many different factors, but it’s not uncommon for equipment to take multiple months to actually be delivered to a facility after it has been ordered. Lakeside is able to deliver unmatched lead times of 3-4 weeks on our mobile equipment in order to get your hospital running smoothly as soon as possible.  

Here’s a great example of a medical cart project where we were able to deliver top-notch lead times and quality even when the equipment wasn’t one of our standard products. A government entity in Asia needed carts that were to be manned by autonomous vehicles in order to transport PPE and other supplies around a makeshift COVID-19 hospital during the pandemic. There were many challenges that came along with the project, but time was the biggest factor in the manufacturing of these carts as they were needed as soon as possible to reduce the number of interactions between staff and potentially contagious patients. We were able to develop laser cut carts that allowed for precise fitting with multiple sized autonomous vehicles while sourcing specialty casters from Australia and wire from China to ensure the right materials were used. The carts were then preassembled to allow for immediate use upon their arrival to the Asian government entity. This was a very precise project with an intense timeline and various challenges that we were able to overcome in order to deliver these carts, from design to doorstep, in less than a month.  

 Lakeside understands that lead times can make or break a healthcare facility in some situations, which is why we are dedicated to providing the top quality products in the least amount of time. Contact us for lead times on our equipment, and let’s figure out the best solution for your facility.  

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Importance of Custom Modified Equipment in Today’s Healthcare Landscape

Every hospital and healthcare facility is unique, so why should they have the same exact medical equipment as each other?

Some things such as surgical tools and other procedural tools are bound to be the same, as doctors and surgeons need to be able to learn to use them before joining a hospital team. However, mobile equipment such as carts and tables shouldn’t have to be the same exact model as every other facility, when it’s not the best solution. Lakeside Manufacturing understands that not all hospitals are the same and offers much more than just the standard product options. Many of the products in Lakeside’s catalog are completely modifiable beyond the standard configurations. Additionally, if none of the standard products are close enough to the picture in your head, Lakeside has the capacity to completely customize the right solution for your facility.

Lakeside Custom Solutions was created to bring your innovative ideas to life, and that’ exactly what they do. Let’s take a look at an example of the original custom solutions that Lakeside is able to create.

Robotic Medical Transport

When the coronavirus first hit, innovation was needed to be able to continue to living our daily lives. An Asian government entity needed innovation in order to handle the outbreak, and decided that the solution to their problems was carts manned by autonomous vehicles. These carts were tasked with transporting supplies and PPE around a convention center converted into a makeshift COVID-19 hospital. The government entity needed the right carts for the job, and contacted Lakeside Custom Solutions to bring this idea to life.

Due to the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus and many unknowns about the virus at the beginning of the pandemic, there were many additional unique challenges with this project. With the autonomous carts they had to: minimize hospital staff interaction with patients, engineer carts to fit multiple sized robot, and only final product versions were to be sent meaning that there was no time for demo carts to be tested.

 

In order to create these carts that would fit with multiple sized autonomous robots, Lakeside Custom Solutions decided to use laser cutting to ensure precision sizing and fitting for multiple robots. Additional special considerations were also needed for the carts in order to perform to the best of their abilities. Specialty casters were sourced from Australia for smooth transport with the robots, and special wire was sourced from China to be used in the innovative carts. The carts were completely preassembled before shipping so that they could be used immediately upon arrival to the convention center to deliver crucial supplies and medications to patients.

 

This whole process from design to doorstep took less than four weeks and the Asian government entity was able to start utilizing the carts in a time that they were desperately needed to minimize the interactions between staff and patients without proper protective measures.

 

Lakeside Custom Solutions is able to achieve these unmatched lead times through a six step process.

Contact Us

Let us know what models you would like to modify or tell us your vision if none of the standard models are close to the idea in your head.

Feedback

We’ll lean on our years of design and customer service experience to provide immediate feedback on a practical solution.

Quote

When a modified or completely custom design is agreed upon, we’ll promptly provide a quote to keep things moving.

Drawings

When the custom product is agreed upon, we’ll sketch some detailed line drawings to make sure that everyone is on the same page about the product.

Production

We’ll build and ship the product within two to four weeks after the design and price approval, and your order will be on the way. Lead times are highly dependent on product quantity.

Service after the sale

Once the product is in use, we’ll be around to follow up with any potential issues and ensure that the solution is everything that you’ve ever wanted.

Just like every healthcare facility has its differences and unique features, so do the hospital staff. One worker may be a foot taller than another, so why would it make sense that they have to push around the same mobile equipment with a handle that will really only work for one of them? Using and moving around equipment in unnatural positions can cause serious accidents like back injuries that could keep staff out of the facility for weeks. Every worker should be able to use equipment that is right for them, which is why Lakeside Custom Solutions works with you to figure out the best product for your needs. Some equipment in hospitals should be standardized, but not all of it. Other companies will cut corners and try to sell you what they already have in stock, in order to save time and money, but Lakeside works with its customers to create the best solution while minimizing lead times.

For more information about the whole process from design to door, check out the Lakeside Custom Solutions website. Some would call it mass customization, but we just call it normal everyday business.

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Saving Space at Your Healthcare Facility

The one thing that all healthcare facilities wish they had more of is space.

Whether it’s in the waiting area, patient exam rooms, operating rooms, or any other parts of the facility, more space to be able to spread out is always better. Creating more space by adding on to or renovating a building is extremely spendy after all of the material, construction, and labor costs, which is why this isn’t a realistic option for a lot of hospitals. The cheaper and more effective option is to use the existing space in a facility more efficiently. So how can healthcare facilities use their space more efficiently?

A great way to start when trying to improve space efficiency is to perform an “audit” of the space in your facility. It’s important to understand how every space is utilized in order to be able to use it more efficiently. All space is not the same, and facilities must make sure that they are designating the right space with the right function. Once the inventory of the space in your facility is compete, there should be a better understanding of which areas are being underutilized and which rooms may be getting too much use. It is a lot easier and cheaper to downgrade a room instead of upgrade, meaning that if there are areas that were set up for one specific purpose, but that aren’t being used very often, it could be a smart idea to make them usable for more day to day operations to add extra space.

Every healthcare facility is unique, with many different designs and layouts, but a lot of facilities are looking to save space in one way or another. The best way to do so, is to make sure that every room is getting the maximum use it can handle. Here are some ideas on how to ensure that your facility is making maximum use of every space:

Increase the capacity of major diagnostic and treatment services: It’s always good to consider multiple options before making a decision, which is why facilities should look into other options before deciding to expand. Investing in newer innovative equipment can be a great way to save space and improve efficiency and is much more cost effective than a full remodel. Another option could be to expand hours of operation in order to be able to treat more patients in the same space and in the same time frame.

Identify space that is underutilized or even vacant: Some hospital rooms are designed for specific purposes and as time goes on these specialized rooms may become obsolete. If there’s rooms in a hospital that are being used infrequently it could be smart to add some extra equipment or change up the room layout in order to use the space for more than just the original specified use. Another easy room to convert could be staff offices. Staff turnover is inevitable in the healthcare industry and office spaces will likely open up either through people leaving. It’s very easy to convert these office spaces to storage space by bringing in some Utility Carts, or other storage solutions. Using carts as storage is very beneficial as they can be easily moved, and if need be, the space can be quickly converted back into an office space.

Identify areas for multi-use or shared space: Procedure rooms are usually used for specific purposes, but there are many ways that this space can be converted into multi-use space. For example, if rooms are not used at least 40 hours every week, then it is not completely efficient. Investing in portable equipment like carts can be a great way to increase the use of these rooms because equipment can be easily switched out to perform whatever procedure is needed.

There are many different ways to save space at a healthcare facility, but the majority of them include utilizing portable equipment in one way or another. Here is some of the portable products from Lakeside Manufacturing that can help improve space efficiency:

Mini Tower Treatment Carts

These carts are specifically designed to save space and fit in tighter areas where other equipment couldn’t. The compact carts are just 24 ¾” wide x 24 ½” long, with a variety of height options. The Mini Tower Treatment Carts are the perfect solution for procedure and patient rooms that need extra storage space, but don’t have room for bulky shelving. There are many different locking options to provide secure storage options for valuable supplies and equipment.

Utility Carts

Lakeside has many different options when it comes to utility carts, and they can drastically improve the space efficiency of many different rooms throughout healthcare facilities. Carts range from the classic 300 lb. capacity 311 Utility Cart to the 1000lb. capacity 4938 Utility Cart and everything in between. Utility carts can store and transport all sorts of equipment that can be moved around in order to be utilized to its fullest. For example, many facilities used utility carts to carry ventilators and bring them to patients that desperately needed them in treating COVID-19. These carts are a great way for hospitals to improve their flexibility, which in turn can greatly improve their space efficiency as well as save time and money in transporting heavy equipment to various rooms around a facility.

Compact Utility Stands

Utility stands are a great option for extra work surface and storage space without compromising a lot of extra area in a room. This compact stand is great for the operating room and perfect for holding surgical instruments and other supplies. The compact design allows it to be maneuvered into tighter areas and placed in the most convenient spot for surgeons to work off of. These stands are sure to help save space in rooms that do not have much to work with.

Portable equipment is one of the best ways to save space in healthcare facilities by improving their versatility. Lakeside manufactures many different types of portable equipment that can greatly aid in improving space efficiency in hospitals. Give us a call or send us a message, and we will work with you to help save space and improve efficiency in your facility!

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Avoiding the Most Common Accidents in Healthcare

Healthcare workers are no strangers to workplace injuries; in fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers experience more work-related injuries and illnesses than any other industry.

This is surprising to many who assume that industries like construction or manufacturing would have more injuries, but healthcare workers perform many daily tasks that can potentially cause injuries or accidents to occur.

Nurses are especially susceptible to getting injured at work because of their routine tasks that require constant walking, bending over, stretching, standing, and lifting. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, and it wouldn’t be able to function without the near 3 million RNs in the US. In addition to possible injuries from labor, most healthcare facilities have other hazards that could cause accidents as well, such as harmful substances, chemicals, drugs, diseases, and the dreaded accidental needlesticks. Each healthcare facility is unique, and all have their own inherit work hazards. For example, nurses in hospitals are more likely to get injured from a fall or slip than a nurse that works in an ambulatory care center.

Regardless of the exact setting that healthcare workers are in, accidents and injuries will unfortunately happen. Here are some of the most common nursing injuries that occur each year in the US:

Overexertion and Bodily Reaction

Overexertion and other bodily reactions are the most common injuries to nurses in the US. These injuries stem from common daily tasks such as excessive physical effort, repetitive motions, twisting, bending and lifting. Nurses and other healthcare personnel are routinely put in awkward positions and have to lift heavy objects or transport bulky equipment around a facility. Another leading cause of this type of injury for nurses is from lifting up patients. People are always an awkward thing to lift and it seems like there’s never a right way to do it, so lifting patients up from bed to place into a wheelchair is a prime example of how to injure your back at work. This can lead to an injury in the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and even spinal discs.

Falls, Slips, and Trips

Another very common reason for nurses getting injured in the workplace is falling, slipping, or tripping. Hospital hallways can get crowded with extra equipment and spills happen frequently, which can cause nurses to slip and fall. Additionally, many facilities have electrical equipment with cords running around on the floors, which is one of the leading causes of trips in hospitals. This type of accident is more likely to occur to older nurses, but it can happen to anyone in the profession and can cause serious injuries that keep nurses home for extended periods of time.

Contact with Objects or Equipment

Hospitals are filled to the brim with all sorts of equipment from tiny surgical supplies to large imaging machines. Injuries can and do occur from nurses colliding with different types of equipment throughout a healthcare facility. Walking into hanging or bulky equipment that is sticking out further than it should is a common cause of injury for nurses. Another serious accident that can occur to nurses is an accidental needlestick. Needles are used throughout hospitals to administer the needed medicine to patients, but if the needles aren’t stored properly before and after use, nurses can get stuck by them. In fact, it is estimated that there are 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick accidents annually in the US alone. It may not be the leading cause of workplace injuries for nurses, but needlesticks can have serious consequences depending on what is in the syringe and who it was initially administered to.

Transportation Incidents

Another cause of injuries to nurses comes from transporting supplies and patients around a healthcare facility. Without the proper equipment, moving around heavy loads can be very stressful on a nurse’s body. The back is especially vulnerable in this type of situation, which is why well-designed equipment like utility carts are essential for healthcare facilities to keep their personnel healthy.

There are plenty of ways that nurses can injured performing daily tasks, but how can we minimize the risk of accidents happening? The leading cause of injury for nurses by far is overexertion and other bodily reactions. This is usually caused by frequent bending over, picking up heavy loads, and transporting heavy loads. The best way to prevent injury from occurring in this type of daily work, is to minimize the ways it can happen. The answer to the problem is generally agreed upon by experts as being better ergonomics.

Ergonomics enable nurses and other healthcare workers to be able to perform the same tasks, but to do so in a much safer way. For example, utility carts are a very common way for nurses to transport heavy equipment around a facility and supposedly save them from injury due to carrying the heavy loads. However, a poorly-designed cart can cause nurses to position themselves in awkward positions that could actually cause them to hurt their back or other body parts with frequent transport.

This is why Lakeside manufactures a line of special Ergonomically Engineered Utility Carts to minimize the risk of injury for nurses. These utility carts come in different heights and sizes, and have special handles designed to fit whoever is transporting the cart comfortably and naturally. Additionally, all of Lakeside’s utility carts are built on top-of-the-line casters to ensure smooth transport around hospitals so that nurses don’t need to worry about random braking and wheel malfunctions. Lakeside’s ergonomic carts allow nurses can do their jobs without having to worry about injuring themselves on the job.

Lakeside also has the ability to custom modify any of the standard products and will work with any healthcare facility to make sure that they have the right tools for the job. Injuries can prevent nurses from being able to do their jobs, which is something that no one wants. Investing in well-made, ergonomic equipment is key in preventing this. Get in contact with us, and let’s figure out how we can help your facility become safer for patients and staff alike!

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Shelving Options: What’s Best When it Comes to Case Carts?

Case carts are an essential piece of equipment for any hospital.

Having good sturdy case carts can help an operating room run very smoothly and ensure that all of the necessary supplies are on hand. Additionally, case carts guarantee the sterility of surgical instruments and other surgical supplies during storage or transportation. No personnel should have to carry armfuls of trays to and from an operating room, and case carts are the clear best way to manage this.

Some facilities use various pieces of equipment to transport surgical instruments, but closed case carts are the best solution for the transportation of surgical supplies to and from an OR. Open case carts can be used as well, but closed case carts provide an extra layer of security in preventing contamination. Case carts are great for bringing clean instruments to the OR, but they also play an important role in taking used surgical supplies out of the OR without risking contamination. Additionally, no hospital visitors want to see dirty, bloody supplies being wheeled around as it could cause extra worry and anxiety that isn’t needed. Closed case carts ensure that this isn’t a possibility.

When choosing out the right case cart system for your healthcare facility, there’s a lot of different options out there. Case carts come in different sizes, shapes, weights, and more, but an important aspect of case carts that is often overlooked is the type of shelving in the cart. Let’s take a look at the different types of shelving available in Lakeside’s closed case carts.

Stainless Steel Shelf

The stainless steel shelf is a classic that it’s hard to go wrong with. The stainless design provides top-notch durability and also ensures that the shelves are easy to sanitize before and after use. The stainless steel shelf is perfect for case carts that are mainly used for transporting surgical supplies to and from the OR.

Perforated Steel Shelf

The perforated stainless steel shelf provides some benefits that the normal stainless steel doesn’t. Mainly, the perforation allows for extra airflow which limits the amount of dust and debris that can settle inside. This means that these shelves are a great option for case carts that may be in storage in between use.

Wire Shelf

Wire shelving promotes even more airflow inside of the closed case carts, and is still very easy to clean due to its stainless steel design. Although the wire shelving is not quite as strong as the other stainless shelves, it is plenty durable. Wire shelves are a great option for case carts that will be in storage for extended periods of time.

Pull Out Option

All of these different shelving designs are also available with a pull out feature. The pull out shelves making loading and unloading the carts a breeze. These shelves are also very sturdy inside the closed case carts so you don’t have to worry about unruly banging coming from inside the carts during transport. Additionally, being able to pull the shelves out make it easier to clean inside and the shelves themselves after use. The pull out shelves are a great option for case carts that are used frequently, or are used in situations where the supplies must be taken out and used immediately.

Case carts are a very important part of high functioning OR, and so are the shelves inside of them. Get in touch with us, and let us know if you have any more questions about the benefits of different shelving options in your case carts!

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Aluminum vs. Steel: What’s a Better Fit for your Facility?

Two of the most common materials found in hospitals are stainless steel and aluminum.

These metals share some characteristics but also have their differences. When it comes to medical equipment and furniture, there are benefits and downsides to both of the materials. Let’s take a closer look at these two metals to figure out what is the better option for your healthcare facility.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the strongest metals used for everyday healthcare applications, but not all stainless is the same. In fact, there are hundreds of different grades of stainless steel that all have minor differences. The main reason for the different grades of stainless comes from the chemical composition of the metal. With all of the grades of stainless steel, the differences between them can be confusing, especially with similar names. For example, a very common grade of stainless steel is 304, but there is also a 304L grade. So what is the difference between them?

The difference between 304 and 304L comes from the chemical composition of the two, specifically the amount of carbon in the metal. Grade 304 stainless has a maximum of .08% carbon, while 304L has a maximum of .03%. The rest of the composition of the two grades is practically identical with iron making up the difference. While this difference seems miniscule, it does have an impact on the performance of the stainless steel.

304 is generally considered to be stronger than 304L. For example, if you had two identical stainless steel baskets, one made from 304 and one made from 304L, the 304 grade structurally stronger than the 304L. So why would anyone choose to use 304L?

304L excels in welding applications. The lower level of carbon helps minimize carbide precipitation during the welding process. This allows 304L to be used in the “as-welded” state, even in severe corrosive environments. Using grade 304L eliminates the need to anneal weld joints prior to the final use, meaning that it can save time and money during the manufacturing process.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the second most abundant metallic element in the earth’s crust, but it has been produced in commercial quantities for industrial applications for just over 100 years.

However, since it first started being produced in large quantities, the uses for aluminum have been exploding. Aluminum is a lightweight material in comparison with other metals, while still having a considerable amount of strength. This is the reason that aluminum is the metal of choice when designing planes.

Like stainless steel, aluminum also has many grades with slight variations in their performances that are suited for different applications. Aluminum alloy 1100 for example, is commercially pure aluminum that is commonly used in chemical and food processing. Aluminum alloy 2014 on the other hand, is a copper based alloy with very high strength, which is why its commonly used in aerospace structural applications. The most commonly used alloy of aluminum however is 3003. Alloy 3003 is commercially pure, but with added manganese which improves its strength to 20% stronger than 1100. Aluminum alloy 3003 also has great workability and corrosion resistance which help make it one of the most common alloys.

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel in the Healthcare Setting

In hospitals, both aluminum and stainless steel have their place, and are oftentimes substitutes in similar products. In general, stainless steel is considered to be the stronger material while aluminum is more lightweight. Let’s take a look at how this affects specific product applications.

Stainless Steel Utility Carts

Lakeside’s classic Utility Carts are manufactured using stainless steel in order to provide top of the line strength and durability. These carts can carry large loads up to 1500 lbs. depending on the model. The popular 311 Utility Cart for example, boasts a carrying capacity of 300 lbs. while only weighing in at around 30 lbs. itself. That is some serious strength, but not the only great benefit of using stainless steel. Another great quality of stainless is how easy it is to sanitize before and after use. Germs are everywhere in hospitals, but using a material like stainless steel is perfect because it is super easy to clean due to its chemical properties and natural resistance to bacteria.

There are many other common uses for stainless steel in healthcare settings such as case carts, equipment stands, tables, IV stands, wheelchairs, and even surgical instruments and tools.

Aluminum Hybrid Crash Cart

A great example of the benefits of aluminum in healthcare equipment comes from the Lakeside Preferred Hybrid Elite Carts. These carts are made using a hybrid of steel and aluminum, providing the best of both worlds. The steel frame provides the strength to make these carts super durable, while the aluminum drawers make the cart much lighter than all-steel construction. The lightweight design adds tons of flexibility and improves the overall maneuverability of the cart. These carts also come equipped with ergonomic handles that aid in making the transport and placement of the cart easier. Lightweight equipment is much better for staff to move around compared to heavy all-steel carts. Aluminum carts can lower the chance of staff getting injured from picking up and moving around heavy and bulky equipment.

Aluminum is used for many common healthcare products and equipment like trays, bedpans, containers, furniture, as well as in surgical applications.

Both stainless steel and aluminum are great materials in hospital applications, and can work together very well, as shown in the hybrid elite carts. Most hospitals have both metals throughout their facilities, as they both are used to manufacture essential medical equipment.

Lakeside manufacturing understands the benefits of both stainless steel and aluminum, and utilizes both metals throughout the product catalog. Contact us with any questions on the benefits of stainless and aluminum, and how we use it to create innovative products for your facility. Let’s discuss which types of products will be the right fit for you hospital!

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Cultivating a Mindful Space for Practitioners and Patients

Cultivating a Mindful Space for Practitioners and Patients

The hospital is a stressful place for patients and staff alike. Patients hate that they have to be there and are usually worried about medical expenses and how the visit may turn out. Doctors have one of the most important jobs in the world, and the stress brought on from this can oftentimes get to them. Creating a space that is mindful of the stressful nature of healthcare facilities is crucial in order for the hospital system to function effectively. Less stressed out practitioners leads to better care, which leads to better patient confidence, which leads to less stressed out patients, and creates a much better healthcare environment for everyone.  

 

One of the most important spaces when it comes to the patient’s perception of a facility is the waiting room. This is even more true for first time visitors because they have no previous knowledge of the quality of care they are going to be receiving. It’s completely normal for patients to experience stress and anxiety when they have to go to receive care at a hospital, so it’s crucial to have a warm and welcoming waiting area that can help alleviate the stress they are likely feeling.  

 

There’s a lot of different strategies that hospitals can use to create a welcoming waiting area. Here are some tips from the AMA on how to create a waiting space that is mindful of the stressful nature of healthcare: 

 

  • Incorporate uplifting designs: Well-chosen and placed artwork can drastically improve a patient’s perception of the clinic as well as their mood. Artwork featuring realistic images of nature and landscapes has been proven to reduce patient stress and even pain. An even better option, if the area that a hospital is located allows, would be window views of natural settings, however since this is not a possibility for many facilities, pictures work great as well. It’s important that this artwork is placed in clear view of the area where the visitors will be seated so that they can observe the details without having to move around.  

 

  • Provide positive distractions: Positive distractions are an excellent way to keep visitors minds busy and alleviate the stress from waiting to be seen. Some examples of positive distractions include magazines, informational materials, newspapers, and even TVs set to a loop of patient education material.  

 

  • Plants and natural elements: Placing plants in the waiting room will aid in creating a more natural and comfortable waiting room, and would complement natural artwork well. Plants have also been shown to ease patient anxiety. Another option, although it requires more maintenance, is placing a fish tank in the waiting room. Fish tanks have been proven to decrease anxiety and lower blood pressure in waiting rooms.  

 

  • Avoid stress and anxiety inducing designs: Well-chosen artwork can work wonders in reducing the stress that visitors feel and improve the overall patient experience, but poorly chosen designs can have the opposite effect. A general rule is to avoid abstract artwork because it can actually increase the anxiety that patients experience.  

 

Another area that is very important in creating a positive patient experience is the exam room. Patients will most likely spend the majority of their time in the exam room, which is why it’s crucial to create a welcoming area designed to keep visitors calm and comfortable. Here are some tips on how to create a positive space in patient examination rooms: 

 

  • Use light, warm colored paint on the walls: Warmer colors tend to create a calming environment that will keep the patient comfortable in the space.  

  • Organize and consolidate materials and supplies: Making sure to keep exam rooms organized and clean will help build up patient confidence in the care they are receiving. Having the right medical equipment such as Utility Carts, will aid greatly in keeping materials organized.  

  • Organize patient education materials: Patient education materials like flyers and magazines should be organized and placed in clear view of the patients.  

  • Plan and implement a good furniture layout: Furniture should be arranged in order to maximize space in an exam room. The layout should also improve patient engagement by allowing them to sit in a chair directly across from the physician which will improve eye contact and create an overall better patient experience.  

 

The operating room is another hospital space that is synonymous with stress. Surgeons have undoubtedly one of the most stressful jobs in healthcare, and in general. Operating is never easy, but having the right equipment in place can sure make it easier. It’s very important to keep supplies and surgical instruments organized in the OR, and having good medical equipment will make keeping everything organized a breeze.  

 

Equipment Stands are an excellent investment for an OR, and can greatly improve the overall organization of the space. These portable carts are a great way to add extra worksurface area and provide much needed storage space for surgical equipment. Additionally, equipment stands can be moved around the OR, and placed in the right spot for a particular operation.  

 

Instrument Tables are another key to a well–organized operating room. Surgeons have to be able to focus their energy completely on the task at hand, and shouldn’t have to worry about having all of the tools that they’ll need ready. Having a solid instrument table that is kept organized will alleviate this unnecessary stress that surgeons can experience.  

 

There’s no way to completely remove the stress from healthcare facilities because it is just part of the nature of healthcare. Patients are always searching for answers about what is wrong with them which inherently brings out stress. Practitioners are constantly providing these answers, but this can be extremely stressful for them as well. There may not be a way to completely get rid of the stressful nature of healthcare, but there are certainly methods that facilities can use to create a space that is mindful of this.  

 

Lakeside manufacturing is dedicated to providing the healthcare system with high quality equipment that can be custom modified to fit in perfectly in any facility. Contact us, and let’s figure out the right equipment for your facility to help reduce the stress felt by both staff and patients.