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President's Message
VAHRMM Members,
So have you heard? ................... The economy has taken a bit of a downturn lately!
Of course, we all have. What’s worse is that we’re not only hearing about it, we’re feeling it now more than ever. Last year, I addressed the skyrocketing cost of petroleum and the changes in Medicare’s reimbursement structure as being obstacles for us to face. Now that gas prices have leveled out a bit and we have at least educated ourselves on Medicare’s new regulations, we are now faced with the much larger obstacle of an economy in decline.
 While healthcare has traditionally been considered a “recession-proof industry,” this time it’s different. The nation’s economy is at its weakest in decades with unemployment at a 25 year high. For us in healthcare, this translates to a lower number of elective procedures, more patients without insurance, and an increase in indigent care. Now couple those factors with the current threat of Medicaid funding cuts here in Virginia, and we are all facing a tremendous challenge.I know this sounds like a very discouraging message to those of us in healthcare materials management, but I see it differently. Rather than considering this situation as an obstacle, look at this as the opportunity for us to utilize our knowledge and expertise to help our facilities like never before. NOW is our time! Last year’s conference was all about equipping you with the tools to become “supply chain experts,” and now is the time to utilize those tools to the fullest. The time has never been more right for materials management professionals to step up and demonstrate their value to their organizations.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, one of my goals has been to increase the visibility of the materials management department within our facilities. Now, these economic pressures have put the “spotlight” directly on us as everyone will be turning to us as the supply chain experts for answers and guidance through these times. As facilities are forced to offset the loss of revenue by any means necessary, doors and opportunities will open for us that may never have been there before.
I encourage you, be proactive during this time, not reactive. Don’t wait to be approached by department directors or corporate executives for assistance. Be creative and go to them with suggestions now. They will listen and, in most cases, be more supportive than ever before. We’ve all dealt with those product lines that were considered “sacred cows,” but in times like this, nothing is sacred. Now is the time to revisit those opportunities that we’ve always known have been there, but we couldn’t pursue due to lack of support. Don’t be surprised to find more cooperation from clinicians and executives than you’re used to; now is the time to take advantage of it.
Also, don’t forget that our vendors are experiencing these same issues with all their customers across the state and nation. They know it’s coming. Now is the time to approach that vendor that has been difficult to work with or notoriously unwavering on pricing. Now is the time to re-establish real partnerships with our vendors and stop considering that term a “buzz word” to use during negotiations. Our vendors have experience and expertise in areas we may not be familiar with, and they can offer potential insight for you to use in your own facility. Now is the time to go to them and look for solutions together.
NOW is our time!
Please know that we on the VAHRMM board are working hard in preparation for the upcoming fall conference this October 21st – 23rd at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Your board consists of a remarkable bunch of talented and selfless individuals and nothing VAHRMM does could be accomplished without them. They are currently developing an agenda that will benefit us all as we navigate through these unique times. Specifics regarding the conference will be sent out very soon, so stay tuned.
Thank you for your support of VARHMM and for the work that you all do for our industry.
Sincerely,
J. Scott Venable
VAHRMM President
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VAHRMM
Riverside Regional Medical Center, Attn: Materials Management
500 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601
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