Materials Management Department

The Materials Management Department provides professional support in the areas of price negotiations, procurement, receiving, distribution of supplies and equipment, equipment repair, printing and forms management and inventory control.

Objectives

• To manage and control the flow of supplies and equipment from acquisition to disposition
• To apply management methods to the supply process and distribution of products and equipment, i.e., value analysis, cost analysis, and product utilization studies
• To centralize all purchasing functions, with the exception of pharmacy and dietary, for control and cost effectiveness
• To provide the mechanism whereby improved patient care will prevail through product standardization and evaluation with emphasis on quality of care and containment of cost
• To provide for unified supply and distribution of goods and services under the same area and distribution
• To reduce costly inventories to cost effective minimums
• To keep administration, department managers and other appropriate parties informed of changes in equipment, products and supply methods
• To purchase all supplies and equipment prudently with consideration for cost, service, and quality
• To improve vendor relations through centralized contact for sales representatives
• To reduce and control all direct and indirect operating costs of the total materials function

Scope of Services

• To develop and coordinate Materials Management Policies and Procedures throughout the hospital
• To purchase all equipment, supplies and services in such a manner that the maximum value will be obtained for the money expended
• To assist administration and department managers in determining the need and type of required supplies and equipment
• To continually evaluate and investigate products and services to assist departments in maintaining their approved standards of patient care
• To work to promote good relations with outside vendors
• To conduct Standarization of Products Committee meetings in an effort to provide value analysis and strive for standardization of items used throughout the hospital
• To coordinate activity relative to the proper disposal of obsolete and unwanted equipment and supplies
• To receive supplies and equipment entering the institution and provide for proper and timely distribution

Materials Management Functions

Materials administration, purchasing, receiving, supply distribution, printing, property/assets management, inventory control, product standardization and evaluation, product recall, preventive maintenance, service agreements and bio-medical services.