Laundry Consulting for Healthcare

Textile Management Services

The American Hospital Association reports there are 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, and networks in the United States. In our experience, we found that most healthcare facilities have their linen processed by commercial laundries or by centralized laundries owned and operated by their respective shared or cooperatives plants.

Our research indicates approximately $1.2 billion is spent annually for linen and textile replacement, and only 25-30 percent of this expenditure is discarded due to normal wear and tear, thus between $840-900 million is unaccountably lost or pilfered annually. This is a staggering fact caused by a fundamental absence of a Textile Management Program at hospitals and healthcare systems.

What is Textile Management?

Textile Management is defined as managing the textile assets and supervising the storage, collection and distribution of linen within the facilities, which is known as “linen control” or reduction in linen loss, use, misuse and abuse.

ATS, through its consulting services, has been advising hospitals and healthcare systems on the methods and procedures of Textile Management. Whether these facilities own their linen and textiles which are processed commercially, by a system operated centralized plant, or is under a linen – textile rental program, these hospitals or healthcare systems are responsible for the cost of losses.

Surgical Linen and Textiles

A few short decades ago, most hospitals and healthcare systems utilized reusable surgical gowns, drapes, and towels, which were prepared in surgical packs and sterilized within the facility. Historically, the disposable manufacturers though aggressive marketing convinced the healthcare industry to replace reusable surgical linen items with disposable items.

The past viruses, current coronavirus and the shortages of masks and protective attire seems to have thought us to reverse the trend and return to reusage products. ATS has the experience to assist hospitals and healthcare systems to implement a reusable system, which will reduce costs, and protect the environment.

Purchasing Techniques and Strategies

Textile manufacture continues to evolve and develop in all areas. Enhanced technology improves textile performance, durability and, sustainability. Keeping up to date on textile advancements enables facilities to better understand the impact products have on fiscal restraint and quality satisfaction from guests, patients and users. 

Although cotton futures contracts are predicted to rise; the technology developments in its manufacturing leads to longer useful life and increased control of supply and market fluctuations on alternative products.

Internal technology utilization and practices improve textile acquisitions, inventory management, fill and delivery rates and quality performance management.

Our Clients