December 5, 2022 – Ginger Harry is the vice president of supply chain at Legacy Health. Read an excerpt from The Journal of Healthcare Contracting’s “Women Leaders in Supply Chain” below.
In what ways has the supply chain changed for the better over the last 2-3 years?
The pandemic has been so difficult for so many – our employees are exhausted, we have seen dramatic inflation, supply constraints and labor challenges. But there indeed have been some positive changes in our industry. Supply chain truly has been elevated – from the position we take in our health systems to the available career pathways. We are now seen more as strategic partners in our health systems than simply the people who move supplies. Our teams have learned a lot too – we are realizing the importance of resilience and being nimble. We’ve seen the benefits of partnerships with our key suppliers as well – the collaboration between providers and our suppliers is key to driving needed change and can directly impact how we can ensure the best care for our patients.
What about its challenges? What keeps supply chain leaders up at night heading into late 2022?
Inflation, labor challenges and backorders are expansive. Like most health systems, we are experiencing financial hardships. Despite these concerns, I am confident we can find ways to truly impact cost. I always say that we cannot let a good crisis go to waste! With the elevation of supply chain – and the need to impact spend – it is our time to advance how we support clinical integration and drive improvements in our structure and processes to ensure sustainable results. We have recently restructured our Clinical Value Analysis program and governance around supplies and services decision-making. Now is our time to elevate engagement with our physicians and clinicians, with all our customers.
To see the rest of our Women Leaders in Supply Chain list, click here.