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Keep scrubs in your hospital

Healthcare Security Weekly, March 14, 2004

Last week a Canadian hospital fed up with an estimated $300,000 loss in stolen scrub suits decided to sell the ultra comfortable hospital uniforms. The hospital hopes to recoup the money in stolen and misplaced scrubs, according to the Calgary Herald.

Stolen scrubs aren't uncommon in most hospitals. With the popularity of TV medical dramas, scrubs are stolen frequently from hospitals, not only by patients, but even staff.

Medical center scrubs typically cost $8--$10 per set.

So, what can your hospital do about stolen scrubs?

• Install an automated dispensing and return machine. This machine allows staff members a certain number of scrubs by identifying the last six digits of their Social Security numbers or magnetic ID cards.

• Set up an exchange system.A New York City hospital marks a number on the scrubs and then issues keys to doctors. The doctors return soiled suits to a locked bin with the keys. This way, the hospital can keep track of whose uniform it's washing. 

• Color code employees' scrubs. Order a certain number of suits for each employee, then mark the hospital's logo and dye each suit a different color to correspond with it's department. Issue a specific number of scrubs each week to employees. Then, arrange a one-on-one return area for laundry service. You can't get a new set of scrubs without returning another.

Source: The Theft Prevention Guide for hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. To order this book, visit http://www.hcmarketplace.com/Prod.cfm?id=1404

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