Medical Center Again Earns Top Performer in Supply Chain Performance

March 16, 2010

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is one of four hospitals in the nation that have been named a top performer in the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) 2010 Supply Chain Performance Excellence Collaborative Study.

The annual study began in 2007 to help UHC supply chain participants better understand and define supply chain performance. Academic medical center (AMC) members are recognized for demonstrating excellence in supply chain management in the UHC Supply Chain Performance Excellence Collaborative. 

“I am delighted that Wake Forest Baptist has been honored again for our performance in supply chain,” said Sallie Simpson, R.N., M.B.A., director of materials management. “This is a group effort by the staff in the Department of Materials Management, collaborating with physicians and other clinicians to improve the clinical quality related to supplies and equipment, while driving down the cost. We continuously strive to improve the process.”

The Collaborative Advisory Team, composed of executives from AMC members and the UHC, examined supply chain participants who provided data through UHC's Operational Data Base. This data was used to measure cost savings and efficiency in supply, pharmacy, cardiology, surgical services expense management and operating margin. Quality and outcome measures are also included in the evaluation. 

Awards were presented to the four top-performing organizations at the UHC 2010 Performance Excellence Forum on March 8 in Grapevine, Texas. The awards were presented by Roberta Graham, senior vice president for UHC, and Jake Groenewold, vice president for Supply Chain for UHC.

Media Relations

Bonnie Davis: bdavis@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-1597