title: Conservation and laundry: using outside vendors to clean reusable linens.
abstract: Using outside laundry facilities is a viable and efficient means for hospitals to clean and sanitize soiled linens. Such services also allow hospitals to achieve cost-effective linen systems. All kinds of linen products, including gowns, sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mops, diapers, and surgical textiles, are easily processed through such purveyors. Even newer fabrics with improved barrier protection qualities can be serviced. The three elements that make up the laundry cost equation are purchasing, processing, and usage. Improvements and reductions in any one of these areas positively affect the other two. With this in mind, a hospital and an outside laundry service should work closely together to improve linen management, to control usage, and to remove waste, thus reducing hospitals' per-patient-day costs. Close interaction and teamwork will make the relationship work with dynamic results. Together, both parties will grow and meet the ever-evolving needs of the health care industry.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: McKnight
mesh_terms: D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000191:economics*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003284:Contract Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000191:economics; D004526:Efficiency; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D007847:Laundry Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008421:Materials Management, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States