"Maternity Care Cost Saving Ideas" Please Share

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Hello Everyone,

Cost Savings.....We are at it again in our department....Does anyone out there have any suggestions? We have become pretty good at cost savings and I cannot think of anymore. We have eliminated our maternity care pack, perineal ice packs(we now make our own), limited 2 pairs of net panties per patient, and so on.....We now have to pay for glucose water and sterile water (the formula compaies now charge for this).

I just thought I would drop a line here to see if anyone had any suggestions. Please feel free to drop any suggestions at all....I will gladly take them.....

Thanks :)

The rational with limiting moms to 2 pair of panties is that the patient can rinse out the soiled pair and they'll be dry when needed. It works and since they cost like $12/pr, it's worth it.

$12 a pair for those little mesh panties!!!! They probably cost about 12 cents to make. Sheesh! That's just wrong.

Miranda

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
$12 a pair for those little mesh panties!!!! They probably cost about 12 cents to make. Sheesh! That's just wrong.

Miranda

The cost of medical supplies is totally outrageous for sure.

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The cost of medical supplies is totally outrageous for sure.

If you are having to use gloves for ice packs to the perineum, try to make sure that they are the latex-free kind- they don't stretch as well but may decrease latex sensitivity problems.

2 pair of panties each is simply inhumane, especially for the red-headed bleeders!

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
If you are having to use gloves for ice packs to the perineum, try to make sure that they are the latex-free kind- they don't stretch as well but may decrease latex sensitivity problems.

2 pair of panties each is simply inhumane, especially for the red-headed bleeders!

That's right...no latex!! Oh, and the disposable panties wash well...we do it all the time and encourage the patient to, as well. This measure doesn't always work, but many understand the waste factor and gladly wash them out; if not, no battles...they get their third (or fourth)!

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That's right...no latex!! Oh, and the disposable panties wash well...we do it all the time and encourage the patient to, as well. This measure doesn't always work, but many understand the waste factor and gladly wash them out; if not, no battles...they get their third (or fourth)!

OK--I am not generally wasteful, but the last thing I am thinking of while recovering from birth, trying to nurse and care for a newborn is to wash out the panties. I would have been shocked! JMHO.

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
OK--I am not generally wasteful, but the last thing I am thinking of while recovering from birth, trying to nurse and care for a newborn is to wash out the panties. I would have been shocked! JMHO.

Probably that Yankee frugality up here that makes it seem normal. :p Like I said, some wouldn't do it and it was no big deal, but most understood.

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I would be shocked at having to wash out panties too. Ick.

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
I would be shocked at having to wash out panties too. Ick.

Ick?? I think it's kinda cute that the same bunch of nurses that are getting grossed out by some stained panties could probably converse in gorey detail about whatever body fluid they had deal with that morning over lunch. :D

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I would be shocked at having to wash out panties too. Ick.

Hell, I gave birth at a birth center, and I wore my own damn panties! :rotfl:

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

There is always one way that can work:

List the things people need they can bring for THEMSELVES:

panties (there are mesh and/or disposable type at places like Walgreens or birth supplies stores)

pads (BIG ones)

breast cream

dermoplast for sore bottoms

diapers

wipes

baby clothes

baby wash (they charge for that here!)

combs/brushes for baby (those are chargeable here too)

soap/shampoo/socks/toiletries/mouthwash, toothpaste, etc (those are commonly chargeable items)

Breastpump (good quality) or at least the Medala/Lactina parts (major charge at our hospital)---should they for some reason need to pump their breasts.....We have the Lactina Pumps, Medela parts fit on there. These can be purchased at much lower cost by the patients themselves.

All the above are commonly chargeable items they can purchase themselves if they choose. NO rationing that way. Esp in places where bathrooms are shared, its not too awful darn practical or clean to have them washing out their panties, etc)

Anything you issue that is chargeable, tell em in birth classes or at dr appts, to BRING IT if they want to save money. Have a printed list ready for them at dr/midwives' offices. It's one suggestion I have that can save everyone some $$$$$, including the birthing family. These things DO add up.

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Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.
There is always one way that can work:

List the things people need they can bring for THEMSELVES:

Anything you issue that is chargeable, tell em in birth classes or at dr appts, to BRING IT if they want to save money. Have a printed list ready for them at dr/midwives' offices. It's one suggestion I have that can save everyone some $$$$$, including the birthing family. These things DO add up.

GOOD IDEA! I would not have minded bringing in my own stuff if I was told what I would be charged for. Of course, that wouldn't be "customer friendly", so they'll just have to cut our salaries insead.... :uhoh21:

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I chuckled a little bit while reading this. I took my mesh panties home and washed them in a pillow case so I didn't mess up my own underwear overnight for the first 2 weeks. I have cleaned up much worse in my life! I was amazed when I stumbled this website a few years ago. It is for an Irish maternity hospital Here is what they tell their pt's to bring w/ them for deilivery. We really spoil our pt's and spend lots of money doing it.

What to Bring

For Mothers

3 Nightgowns

Dressing gown

Slippers (not mules)

2 Bath towels

1 Hand towel

2 Face cloths

1 Bra/nursing bra (if breastfeeding)

Toilet requisites

Shower cap

2 Packets of sanitary towels (maternity)

Breast pads

Box of tissues

For Baby

Babygros or baby gowns

Vests

2 Medium towels

Disposable nappies

Cotton wool balls

Jar of Vaseline

Cardigan

Please try to limit yourself to one bag or suitcase. If you think you will need extra items, you can arrange for your partner or friend to bring them in as you need them.

see link below-scroll down to "What to bring" section

http://www.nmh.ie/Internet/index.php?page=FrontPageFormat/PatientInfo/ObstetricPat/LabourDelivery.html

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