Polytex: full-cycle hospital workwear management provides a perfect fit for new Reims University Hospital

This article was originally posted on ‘Architecture Hospitalière’ Spring edition 2024. The original article appeared in French and is brought here with a slight modification.

“When selecting a technologically advanced solution like Polytex, we of course hope to deploy it across other parts of the hospital.”

Polytex is a global leader with their scrub inventory management system, trusted by facilities around the world to help them optimize their hospital workwear operations. The company’s automated solutions streamline the management of scrubs and other uniforms, providing fast, hands-free distribution and return, accurate usage monitoring, and tight inventory control.

Implementation as part of CHU Reims’ new building project

Comments collected from Florin Ardelean, Director of Logistics, CHU Reims

What is the Polytex project at CHU Reims?

F.A.: The Polytex hospital workwear management solution has been implemented in the Reims’ University Hospital Centers’ new medical surgical building, which is opening in March 2024. Polytex’s digital-first, fully automated uniform management system and solution is aligned with the goals that shaped the building project, specifically modernization, innovation and organizational change.

How many Polytex systems are in the new building?

F.A.: In the month before the building opens for use, we are installing a total of 13 Polytex machines: 7 distribution units and 6 return units. The implementation includes the Polytex Total Care Manager cloud-based uniform management software.

What were you looking for in terms of a hospital workwear management solution?

F. A.: Our task was to handle the workwear distribution needs of 1,700 people in the central changing room and 400 in the changing room for the operating theatres. When we received the plans for the staff changing rooms, we realized the space was quite limited. So, we embarked on a search for a solution that would not require any additional construction in the new building.

Additionally, we wanted a solution that would enable us to reduce our workwear costs. Currently, elsewhere in the hospital, staff are provided with personalized uniforms. However, we decided to standardize the process by providing generic clothing without names, while maintaining traceability for these garments.

How did you hear about the Polytex workwear management solution?

F. A.: Initially, we learned about Polytex through word-of-mouth from colleagues at other hospitals here in France. They shared their experiences with the solution, and so we decided to look at it ourselves.