Section III. MOVING SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
2-5.
DELIVERY SYSTEMS
a. A delivery system is the way equipment and supplies are moved from one
place to another. In a hospital, many things are moved. Some examples of the
movement of things in a hospital are:
(1)
Moving medicine and drugs from the pharmacy to the patient.
(2) Moving clean linen and towels from the laundry to the patient and soiled
linen back to the laundry.
(3) Moving sterile supplies and equipment from the CMS to the hospital
elements and unsterile or contaminated items from hospital elements to CMS.
b. There are two delivery systems used in the CMS--the conventional system
and the automated system.
(1) In the conventional system, the using unit sends someone to CMS to
pick up required supplies and equipment. The using unit also returns soiled and used
items to the CMS.
(2) In an automated system, the CMS picks up used supplies and
equipment and delivers fresh and sterile supplies and equipment to the using units in a
hospital. The using unit will set up requirements for supplies; CMS will automatically fill
those requirements by delivering fresh, sterile supplies to the using organization and
collecting used supplies and equipment.
2-6.
SELECTING THE DELIVERY SYSTEM
a. Type of Delivery System. The type of delivery system used in a medical
facility will depend on size, location, personnel resources, and other factors. The type
of system will be decided by the local facility. Often the system will be a combination of
conventional and automated. The NCOIC and Chief, CMS, will work with other
components in the hospital to develop an effective delivery system.
b. Criteria. Regardless of the delivery system used, certain criteria must be
met.
(1) Using units must have supplies and equipment when they need them
and where they need them.
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2-5