2011 Nursing Annual Report - FINAL.pub - South Shore Hospital

ImprovementsCritical Care Staff Uses Japanese Methodology to Streamline ProcessesIn an effort to save time, streamline processes, and control waste, several members of the critical careunits have utilized an innovative approach to reorganize the supply closet located in the CCU. Known as“5S”, this increasingly popular organization methodology includes a cyclical process to help achieve efficiencyand maintain order within the workplace. The term “5S” is derived from the five Japanese (andEnglish) words that describe each step of the cycle: (1) sort (2) straighten (3) shine (4) standardize and (5)sustain. It is part of the Lean improvement process which reduces waste by leveraging the knowledge offront line colleagues. Reducing waste and variability in our processes will increase quality and add valueto the provider – and receiver – of care.Pictured above: Margaret Prioli, RN, BS, CCU, stands outside the Critical Care Unit’s newly streamlinedand more efficient supply closet.47