Area health systems put customer service first [the broken link was removed] by MaryBeth Matzek
In 2005, ThedaCare was able to save $10 million thanks to its lean programs and officials hope to save another $12 million this year, Toussaint said.
ThedaCare’s march toward lean began when Toussaint started looking for a way to improve quality and service while cutting costs. He found what he was looking for in an unlikely place – a factory that produces lawnmowers and snow blowers.
The model Ariens used was adapted from a system put in place by Toyota, the Japanese automotive manufacturer. As part of the system, teams are formed to look at processes and find ways to improve them – whether it’s cutting out an unnecessary step or finding a better way to serve the customer.
Related:
Do you know of any specifics on how thedacare has achieved such remarkable savings/improvements using lean? I’ve read some of Virginia Mason’s work, but honestly, not too many community health systems have a hyperbaric chamber.