Page 17 - 2017 Nursing Annual Report | Summa Health
P. 17
“The ASPIRE model is based on the Lean Six Sigma “Process improvement is everywhere and thus
principles of Kaizen,” says Vice President, Performance improvement can come from anywhere,” says Dr. Tom
Solutions, Chris Powers. “It focuses on working with the Mark, Chairman of the Department of Anesthesia and
front line to drive daily continuous improvement.” Director of Process Improvement for Surgical Services.
“Therefore, we challenge all areas of surgical services
One early ASPIRE submission revolved around increased to find valuable opportunities, no matter how big or
recycling in Summa operating rooms. While Summa small. Piece by piece, our team has been able to improve
had been recycling blue wrap, devices and supplies for our processes and, in doing so, has created a culture of
years, the submission suggested that all the plastic used process improvement that is self-sustainable.”
in the operating room be recycled, too. Considered an
achievable initiative, the suggestion was embraced by The ASPIRE program continues to make an impact
the ASPIRE team who collaborated with environmental throughout Summa Health. And it’s also getting noticed
services. The two groups developed a collection process, outside our system. “When The Joint Commission visited
obtained collection receptacles for each operating last year, the surveyors were very impressed with the staff-
room and adapted the recycling pickup process. Since led committee and the support leadership gave to the
the plastic recycling rollout, Summa Surgical Services program,” says Reiter. “The Joint Commission recognized
has witnessed a significant shift in the amount of “trash” ASPIRE as a best practice for continuous improvement
collected daily versus recyclable waste. and even shared the program on its website.”
Members of Surgical Service ASPIRE Program
2017 Nursing Annual Report 17
