This Hospital Uses RFID to Track Linen, Halving New Clothing Purchases and Achieving ROI in Less Than Two Years

In the healthcare sector, effective resource management is vital for both efficiency and sustainability. Centro Hospitalar, located in northern Portugal, has successfully integrated RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to enhance its linen and uniform management, leading to impressive outcomes.

At Centro Hospitalar in northern Portugal, the integration of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has ushered in a new era of efficiency and sustainability in linen and uniform management. This hospital, part of the national health system, faced significant challenges in managing its textile inventory, including poor stock control, asset loss, and excessive ordering.

Recognizing the need for a solution, Centro Hospitalar decided to implement the Polytex RFID management system. This system allows for meticulous tracking of every textile item—from bed sheets to staff uniforms. Each piece is equipped with an RFID label, giving it a unique identity and enabling the hospital to monitor its entire lifecycle.

The deployment began with RFID cabinets, antennas, and handheld scanners strategically placed throughout the hospital. Staff members authenticate their identities using fingerprint scanners to access clean uniforms from automated vending machines. Upon finishing their shifts, they simply return the uniforms, which are scanned back into the system. This seamless process has significantly enhanced inventory accuracy and accountability.

The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Laundry costs have decreased by 15%, with the weekly volume of laundry dropping from 18 tons to 16 tons. This reduction is attributed to precise control over the number of linens used in each department and swift correction of inappropriate usage. Even more striking is the over 50% reduction in new clothing purchases, as the RFID system effectively identifies and curtails unnecessary hoarding behaviors among staff members. For instance, one employee was found to have hoarded 50 sets of uniforms, a discovery that could have gone unnoticed without the system.

Miguel Pava, Chairman of the Hospital Board, expressed his satisfaction with the RFID implementation, noting that the hospital achieved a return on investment in less than two years. He emphasized that the positive response from staff and their adherence to the new protocols were crucial to the system's success.

Looking ahead, Centro Hospitalar plans to expand the RFID system's reach to its critical care and emergency departments. By mid-2025, the hospital aims to have a unified system in place that will cover all textile management across the facility.

This success story from Centro Hospitalar serves as a compelling example for other healthcare institutions, highlighting how RFID technology can not only streamline operations but also contribute to sustainability efforts.

Cathy | RFID Label/Card/Inlay Prelam manufacturer and one-stop provider for other RFID tags.

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