Hospital Economy

Hospital Economy

·           Economy of time is too often neglected. If nurse is undecided about the method of carrying out a duty, she should ask for guidance and not waste time in her efforts of trail and error.

·           A nurse should look after her health so that working hours are not lost through illness.

·           Daily inventories of important instruments will prevent their loss.

·           Old blankets are used for medical fomentations and not lint.

·           A wide bandage should not be used when a small one will do.

·           Dressing lotions should be carefully measured so that there is no waste.

·           During dressing, the bed-linen is protected by a dressing mackintosh and dressing towel.

·           Taps, light and gas should be turned off when not in use.

·           Faulty taps must be reported. Kettles sterilizers and saucepans must not be allowed to boil dry, or left on the gas unnecessarily.

·           The kettle should not be filled when a small quantity of hot water is required.

·           Articles must be used for the purpose for which they are made.

·           Medicine and drugs must be accurately used as ordered. Many deteriorate from exposure or evaporation.

·           Soap must not be allowed to stay in water.

·           Disinfectants should not be wasted or used in wrong strengths.

·           Cleaning powders, furniture polish and metal polish should be used sparingly

·           Torn linen must not be used without mending or it may be torn further and rendered useless.

·           During meals patient’s wear and bed lines are protected with towels.

·           A small amount of diet should be given to a patient and a second help if desired and permitted. Excess food should be returned to the main kitchen.

·           Although patients should look as nice as possible, it must be remembered that laundering involves wear and tear and is very expensive.

·           Crockery must be handled carefully and not allowed to chip crack.

·           Nurses should be taught the prices of articles, lotions etc…

·           False economy is criminal on occasions.

·           Nurses must remember that hospitals are maintained with the public’s money. The people can often ill afford their contributions.

·           Each ward is assessed separately and list of expenses sent round to the wards. They impress the nursing staff and encourage economy.