Washington Regional Medical Center in Northwest Arkansas recently was recognized for its success in improving its supply chain management while maintaining excellence in patient care.

The medical center was honored by VHA Inc., a national healthcare network. Washington Regional was one of nine healthcare organizations across the country that were honored with a Supply Chain Management Excellence Award at VHA's Annual Leadership Conference recently in Denver.

According to one of the hospital's executives, the supply chain efficiencies were realized through better collaboration among stakeholders.

“We established a committee aimed at proactively reviewing the proposed purchase of new technology or new supplies in a collective and collaborative manner,” said Jack Morris, Washington Regional vice president of logistics. “Committee members represent various departments and bring the hospital’s clinical, financial and compliance needs together in the final decision.”

Other hospitals around the country are streamlining supply chains by implementing more electronic management. According to the Healthcare Supply Chain Association blog, embracing ecommerce for pharmaceutical and medical device procurement is a highly effective way for providers to cut costs.