How Elevator Consulting Services Can Help Hospitals

Elevators are critical to any hospital’s operation. The ability of a hospital to run at full capacity depends greatly on moving equipment and people from floor to floor quickly and reliably. A non-functioning elevator disrupts patient care and provider workflow, which is unacceptable on many fronts.

Solving the Complexity and Risk of Elevators and Escalators

As important as elevators are, they have unique attributes that make their management one of the most complex and costly components for maintenance and facilities. Too often, healthcare facilities fall into the unique nuances of elevator management encountering a myriad of problems that end up costing them downtime, money, and time while exposing risk.

The Complex Landscape of Elevator Management

The management of elevators in a hospital setting is intricate due to several factors:

1. Regulatory Compliance

Hospitals must adhere to multiple elevator codes such as ASME A17.1/CSA B44, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, state and local requirements, Department of Public Health, and Joint Commission standards. Staying compliant with these regulations is a full-time job requiring specialized knowledge.

2. Vendor Relations

Working with elevator companies can be challenging. Contracts are often written in favor of the elevator service companies, leading to potential overcharges, claims of obsolescence, and deferred maintenance. Without proper oversight, hospitals may end up paying for services not rendered or necessary.

3. Maintenance Complexity

Elevators are complex systems requiring regular, specialized maintenance. Hospitals typically rely on facility departments that juggle numerous responsibilities, with elevators being just a portion of their workload to oversee. This can result in inadequate attention to elevator maintenance and compliance, increasing the risk of breakdowns and safety issues. This is no fault of the engineering, maintenance or facilities department, they just do not have the bandwidth.

Benefits of Hiring Elevator Consultants

Engaging an elevator consulting firm can significantly alleviate the challenges associated with managing hospital elevators. One of the primary benefits of hiring elevator consultants is their ability to provide unbiased expert opinions. Unlike elevator companies, which may have vested interests, consultants offer independent assessments, ensuring hospitals do not overpay or invest in unnecessary repairs. This objective advice helps healthcare facilities make informed decisions about their elevator systems, ultimately saving money and improving operational efficiency.

Another significant advantage of hiring elevator consultants is their ability to conduct comprehensive audits. These detailed evaluations of elevator systems identify inefficiencies, compliance issues, and potential cost-saving measures. By reviewing service records, testing dates, inspection results, and maintenance activities, consultants provide hospitals with a clear understanding of their elevator performance and areas for improvement. This thorough analysis helps healthcare facilities address problems proactively, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and ensuring compliance with relevant codes.

Tailored Maintenance Plans

Elevator consultants develop tailored maintenance plans that ensure elevator systems are properly maintained and compliant with all regulations. These customized strategies help prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of the equipment. This proactive approach to maintenance is crucial in a hospital setting, where elevator reliability is essential for patient care and workflow efficiency.

Monitoring with ElevatorApp

These maintenance plans must be further monitored with the ElevatorApp, an elevator service monitoring application that tracks all the activities of the service providers, inspection results, testing, and many more benefits.

Cost Savings through Effective Management

Effective elevator management by consultants can lead to significant cost savings. By avoiding unnecessary repairs, reducing energy consumption, and recovering overcharges from service providers, consultants help hospitals save millions of dollars annually. Implementing their recommendations allows healthcare facilities to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in other critical areas of operation.

Enhanced Safety and Reliability

Enhanced safety and reliability are paramount benefits of hiring elevator consultants. Regular maintenance and strict adherence to safety standards ensure that all elevator features are operational and reliable, reducing the risk of accidents. This focus on safety not only protects patients, staff, and visitors but also contributes to a smoother and more efficient hospital operation.

Overall Benefits of Hiring Elevator Consultants

The benefits of hiring a professional elevator consultant far outweigh the challenges of managing hospital elevators. Their unbiased expert opinions, comprehensive audits, tailored maintenance plans, cost-saving strategies, and commitment to safety and reliability make them invaluable partners in the healthcare industry. By addressing these critical aspects, elevator consultants help hospitals maintain efficient and safe elevator systems, ultimately supporting their primary mission of providing high-quality patient care.

Case Study: Atrium Health

Atrium Health, a large healthcare system, faced significant challenges with its elevator management, including high maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns. By engaging The Elevator Consultants, they implemented a comprehensive elevator management program that resulted in substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

• Audit and Recommendations: The consultants conducted an extensive audit of Atrium’s elevator systems, identifying numerous inefficiencies and compliance issues.
• Implementation: Atrium followed the consultants’ recommendations, including renegotiating service contracts and improving maintenance practices.
• Results: Within a year, Atrium saw a 30% reduction in maintenance costs and a 70% decrease in elevator breakdowns. Their elevators’ improved reliability and efficiency significantly enhanced patient and staff satisfaction.

In the complex environment of healthcare, managing elevators efficiently and safely is crucial. Elevator consulting services provide hospitals with the expertise and tools needed to navigate the intricacies of elevator management. By ensuring compliance, optimizing maintenance, and uncovering cost-saving opportunities, consultants help hospitals focus on their primary mission: providing high-quality patient care.

For hospitals looking to improve their elevator management, engaging an elevator consulting firm like The Elevator Consultants can be a game-changer. Their experience, expertise, and commitment to safety and efficiency make them invaluable partners in the healthcare industry.