But that’s really only half of the battle. Once you’ve found your ideal medical bed supplier, how do you make sure he becomes a long-term trusted business partner? That is a serious strategic decision that will impact your bottom line, your employees’ productivity and most importantly, the wellbeing of your patients.
How can you locate the correct medical bed supplier in a large marketplace like GTA? Follow these 6 simple tips below to ensure that you’re choosing the right medical bed supplier.
Identify the Specific Needs of Your Healthcare Facility
Don’t begin searching until you’ve thoughtfully reflected on your specific needs. There is no “one size fits all” in healthcare.
Population Served:
Do you operate a long term care facility, a rehabilitation center or an acute care hospital? For example, the needs of a bariatric patient are significantly different than those of a post operative recovery patient.
Required Clinical Features:
Do you require beds with added features such as embedded scales, CPR release or Trendelenburg position capabilities? Develop a list of your “must haves” vs. your “nice to haves”.
Volume and Capacity:
What are the initial numbers of beds? Do you need a supplier who can grow with you for future expansion or unforeseen volume increases?
Budgetary Restraints:
Share your budget but consider Total Cost of Ownership rather than simply the initial cost.
Find a Supplier Who Has Significant GTA Representation
The “G” in GTA is critical. Suppliers who have a strong presence in or near the Greater Toronto Area enjoy:
Quick Response Time:
If a bed fails, you cannot wait for several days for a technician to visit. A local supplier can generally offer same day or next day support.
Efficient Logistics:
Faster and less costly delivery results in new equipment being operational virtually instantly.
Knowledge of Local Compliance Issues:
They will be familiar with Ontario’s health and safety standards and provide products that comply with both.
Verify Their Product Line and Quality
A reputable partner has to deliver more than just one or two product options. Set your target to work with suppliers that:
Product Variety:
Offer a variety of beds from well established manufacturers that will satisfy the diverse needs and budgets of clients.
Safety/Quality:
Ensure that each product meets Health Canada’s regulatory requirements for Medical Devices and includes necessary approvals.
Innovative Products:
Are they staying current with modern technology examples (such as low height beds designed to prevent falls or intelligent beds linked to nurse call systems)?
Place Value on Service and Support (the Real Test of a Partnership)
Selling an item is just step 1. The true partnership begins when the sale is completed.
Comprehensive Maintenance & Repair:
Does the supplier include proactive preventative maintenance programs? What is their process for emergency repairs? Ask about their typical service response time within GTA.
Education/Training:
Will the supplier’s staff provide complete education/training to your medical/support staff regarding the proper/safe use of the new equipment?
Flexibility in Rental Options:
The best partner will give you choices regarding rental (short term or long term) so that you may adapt to fluctuations in patients, etc., or prepare equipment for servicing.
Evaluating Reputation & Communication
Research carefully. A reputable firm will have a reputation that you can verify through reference checks.
References/Reviews:
Request statements from other medical organizations in Ontario as evidence of quality. Search online for case studies/customer reviews.
Communication:
Is asking the same as receiving satisfaction? Are they professional, helpful, open? You need a partner that will assist you and answer your questions.
Stable Financials:
They should be financially stable and able to honor warranty and service agreements for the foreseeable future (i.e. 2-5 years).
Next Steps To Developing a Better Partnership
Selecting a medical bed supplier is much more than selecting a simple vendor – it’s about developing a partnership that supports the continued success of your hospital, and subsequently, the health of your patients.
We recognize that we provide superior care here at Hospital Bed Rental Inc., and that is due to our facilities and infrastructure. Therefore, we seek to become partners with the best.
Are you a reliable, GTA-based medical bed supplier who possess these characteristics? We’d love to connect with you.