When it comes to patient care, even the smallest details can make a big difference. That’s why the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network turned to Chryspac to help streamline and improve a seemingly simple, but essential, part of inpatient care: oral hygiene kits.
Every patient admitted to a Froedtert & MCW hospital receives a standardized oral care kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Behind the scenes, this kit represents a thoughtful and highly efficient collaboration between the health network’s Integrated Service Center (ISC) and Chryspac.
“We went to Chryspac because it’s their bread and butter,” said Paul Darko, manager of the ISC Distribution Center. “They have the ability to stock our excess inventory until we need it. They’ve been a very good company to work with—we’ve worked with them for several years, and it’s been a good relationship.”
Before partnering with Chryspac, the health network managed and distributed three individual oral care items. That process was time-consuming and left room for inconsistencies. Now, thanks to Chryspac’s kitting services, ISC team members pick and ship one item; saving time, increasing accuracy and ultimately improving the patient experience.
“It’s a very large efficiency gain for us at the ISC,” Darko said. “Instead of picking those three items individually and having to count everything, now we just pick one item. In terms of our patients, I think they greatly appreciate getting these things without having to bring them from home.”
Chryspac’s service doesn’t stop at efficiency. Their customer support and flexibility have left a strong impression on the health network.. “Kudos to their team. They’re very hands-on, they offer suggestions, keep us in line with our product, let us know what we have left and what we need to order,” Darko said. “It’s a breath of fresh air working with them.”
The flexibility Chryspac offers has been especially valuable in the unpredictable world of healthcare logistics. Whether producing 25,000 kits or scaling up to 75,000, Chryspac has consistently delivered with accuracy and speed. “With healthcare, it’s such a fluctuating client base… some days, some weeks, some months are much busier than others. So it’s good to have that flexibility in our ordering pattern,” said Darko.
The success of the oral kit project has sparked interest in future collaborations. The Froedtert & MCW health network is exploring expanding its kitting operations, including blood pressure cuff kits and even home-delivered surgery prep kits. If these initiatives move forward, Chryspac will be at the top of the list for potential partners.
“They provide strong communication, a great product and at a great price,” Darko said. “I would highly recommend looking at Chryspac.”
For Chryspac, the partnership with the Froedtert & MCW health network is a perfect example of how thoughtful supply chain support can improve lives, one kit at a time.
For more information, visit froedtert.com.
