Re: Leaning the Lab

Donald Cantú — Wed, 06 May 2009 02:35:24 GMT

While working with a large hospital system in Denver, Co we went through a lean reorganization of the lab. From most techs there was nothing but negative comments about the Lean Lab. The philosophy did not really work with how our lab operated. However, being flexiable, as techs tend to be, we managed and adapted.

As part of Quest Diagnostics, we also suffered under the 6th Sigma program. While I would agree that we should offer the best product in a timely fashion, I do not believe that 6th Sigma will ever be achieved in the medical laboratory. There will ALWAYS be a client that is not satisfied with our services. Each complaint, then, counts against the lab. It has also been my experience that those satisfied with our services rarely offer compliments while those not pleased will. Again, another strike. Finally, since our co-workers are also our clients, I have found that there are always disgruntled workers within the health care system. Again, a strike against the lab. And oddly enough, when there is a problem along the way (eg It problems, delayed results, etc) it is always the lab's fault. I believe that too many resources (finacial, etc) are spent on trying to attain impossible goals. The resources would be best invested in infrastructure that would allow the techs in the trenches to do the best possible.

Thank you,

Leaning the Lab

Kerri Penno — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:13:50 GMT

Has your lab gone Lean? How has it worked out? Have you realized any financial gains?

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Re: Leaning the Lab

Leaning the Lab