That’s My Job: Storeroom Management and Replenishment teams
Published on Monday, October 7, 2024
By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu
When the health care providers inside the hospitals of the University of Mississippi Medical Center reach for medical supplies, the Storeroom Management and Replenishment teams make sure those items are at their fingertips.
Linda Bennett, a supply tech who has worked for UMMC 30 years full time and another 15 years part time, said she and her colleagues are dedicated to care.
“I’m not a nurse,” she said, “but my heart is in patient care and getting them the supplies they need.”
Part of Supply Chain Management at UMMC, the Storeroom Management team keeps the Medical Center’s supply warehouse organized and well-stocked with more than 2,000 varieties of supplies. The Replenishment team takes those supplies throughout the Medical Center, from University Hospital to Children’s of Mississippi and all hospital and clinic floors in between.
McFee“We are proud of the positive impact our team has had on improving operations at UMMC,” said Rick McFee, chief of Supply Chain Management. “We are very customer and patient focused. Our dedication and service attitude have dramatically improved service levels throughout the hospitals.”
Each team member’s performance contributes to overall supply chain efficiency at UMMC.
“We have an awesome team,” said Rachel Harkness, Supply Chain director, “and they work well together. First, second and third shifts huddle before each shift starts for a hand-off and to give each other a heads-up on needs inside the Medical Center.”
The teams work with a supply chain system that centers on supply bins that are weighed. As supplies are used, the weight of the bins gets lighter. More products are then ordered and delivered.
“On weekdays, products ordered in the morning are delivered that afternoon,” Harkness said.
Rachel Harkness, supply chain director, stands by members of the Storeroom Management and Replenishment Teams including, back row, from left, Keonna Mims, Clifton "CJ" Walker, Avery Rhodes, Chante Bradley, Sekina Lewis, Calvin Alexander, Alecha Gibbs; front row, from left, Tawanna Bell, Linda Bennett, Vicky Bulley, Ebony Fults and Angela Crockett.
These teams, like many others at UMMC, “are 24/7/365,” Harkness said. “They always are here, ready to help.”
Storeroom Management and Replenishment team members have hearts for helping because they know their support puts needed supplies in the hands of health care providers throughout the Medical Center.
First-shift supervisor Ebony Fults said replenishing supplies in neonatal intensive care reminds her and her team how important their job is.
Supply tech Bulley replenishes supplies for the medical intensive care unit. Scales on bins alert her team when supplies need to be restocked.
Supply tech Adreyonna Kyser agrees. She started working at UMMC three years in neonatal intensive care. That experience as a technician at Children’s of Mississippi has influenced the work she does today, she said.
“What we do in supply chain in supplying other areas of the Medical Center ensures that doctors and nurses have what they need to care for patients,” she said. “I love what I do at UMMC. It’s different every day, and I am glad to offer a helping hand.”
Supply chain manager Angela Crockett, who worked in supply chain as a U.S. staff sergeant before joining UMMC earlier this year, said she and her team work with patients in mind.
“I want everything to be perfect,” she said, “the right materials, nothing expired or damaged, and where doctors and nurses can get to it easily.”
Sekina Lewis, a 26-year UMMC employee, 22 of them as a supply tech, shares that focus.
“What we do plays an important part in patient care,” she said. “What we do helps save lives.”