The economy is in a spin. We don’t know where it will end. The best plan is to be ready for anything. If you prepare for the worst, and it doesn’t happen, then you may survive.
Here are a few reasons why I think that Biomeds are in a better porision than many others to weather this storm.

1. You have a job, and should continue to have a job.
People around you wonder if their company will be in business tomorrow. You can bet that your employer (especially if you work in a hospital) will continue to provide services. Healthcare is here to stay. We are lucky to be in this business.

2. Sell, sell, sell! Emphasize to your employer your value
As times get tougher (45% of hospitals report delaying purchases of medical technology and equipment (DotMed news, Nov 19, 2008), Biomeds become even more important. Your skills are needed to keep existing technology operating longer. Make your employer aware that you can extend the life of the equipment they already own, and can help postpone capital purchases.

3. In meetings, make yourself known for focussing on value.
Keep committees from cutting costs which will eventually drive up costs. Make the group see the long-term effects of their actions. Direct the group toward actions which save money, now and in the future. While everyone else bemoans gloom and doom, focus on opportunities.

4. Look at your departmental budget.
The percentage of people who do not havemedical insurance will increase. Your hospital will have less revenues. You (and every other department) will be asked to reduce costs. Be prepared. Implement those Risk-Based PM schedules. Restrict overtime. Sell those excess parts that you have on-hand for obsolete equipment. Slash expensive contracts. Look at every dollar flowing out of your department. Try to reduce the costs. When your boss asks you to reduce, let him know that you are already have a plan, and be prepared to share it.

5. Look everywhere for ideas to cut costs, save money, and to be of greater value to your employer and the people at work.
Focus on those things which save money. In tough economic times, just keeping the doors open from day to day is an important goal.

6. Slash expensive contracts.
Those 5 year, noncancellable contracts looked pretty good when it seemed as if the country was on a never-ending upward spiral. But now that we are in the midst of the biggest financial crisis we have ever seen, the monthly payments are now a luxury that many hospitals cannot effort. Now is the time to invest in more training and forge new relationships with companies who can save you money. Act now!

7. Become an expert in the redeployment of equipment.
Nobody but Biomeds has an understanding of the entire compliment of medical equipment in the hospital. As one department expresses a need for additional or different equipment, suggest where equipment meeting their needs can already be found within the hospital. You know what items are being underutilized. Encourage the current owners to give it up if another department needs it. Get in the business of barter. Think like a third world country – don’t waste a thing.

8. Take whatever steps you can to get your personal financial house in order.
Cut personal debt, get rid of unnecessary expenses. Even if you have a job, some people around you won’t. Members of your family will need your help. Be prepared to assist.

9. Learn how to translate EVERYTHING you do at work into a savings for your employer.
Money is the medium of exchange. This means that almost everything in life can be reduced to a dollar value. Every action had a cost and a savings. Identify these costs and use the costs to compare alternative actions.

10. Never forget to be kind and understanding.
We never know what the other person is going through. Personal hardships may make people quicker to anger at work. Keep your cool, and make an effort to be especially nice to everyone around you. Be a model of understanding and
compassion.

I believe that Biomeds are uniquely poised to be is successful in these troubling times. But we have to draw upon every bit of our ingenuity and creativity. We all need to crank our minds up another notch and take action. If we sit back and wait for someone else to come up with the plan, the plan they develop might not include us. It is always better to be on the inside than the outside. Call a meeting with your boss specifically to discuss the financial status of the company. Ask what you can do, how you can use your knowledge and experience to help. Be prepared to think and act outside of the box. Your skills are needed.

Patrick K. Lynch, CBET, CCE is the Biomedical Support Specialist for GMI (Global Medical Imaging). He can be reached for questions/comments at
info@mdpublishing.com.