SLAs: The Foundation of Your Laundry Partnership 🏗️

Compliance Sha rk- SLAs: The Foundation of Your Laundry Partnership 🏗️

Hey there, I’m Greg,

Welcome back to the sixth Compliance Shark Newsletter!

We’ve talked a lot about building solid laundry partnerships, but today, we’re focusing on the foundation of that relationship: Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Back when I ran my own laundry company, we put a lot of effort into getting our SLAs just right. We even created a picture book of linen quality standards to show exactly what “clean” looked like, ensuring everyone – laundry staff and hospital teams – was on the same page.

Of course, we weren’t perfect. But by setting clear standards and building a shared understanding, we established real trust.

When mistakes happened, they weren’t disasters. We owned them and used each as an opportunity to strengthen our SLAs – a collective source of truth that guided us.

With that, let’s look at how to set up SLAs that support and drive your hospital’s mission.

SLAs That Build Stability and Drive Results

When done right, SLAs go beyond paperwork – they’re the bedrock of quality, consistency, and accountability. Here’s a breakdown of essential SLAs to set and agree on with your provider:

Linen Quality Standards: Define quality in specific, measurable terms. Instead of “Linens should be clean,” aim for “Linens will be free of stains, with no visible holes larger than one centimeter, wrinkle-free, and neatly folded.”

Delivery Windows: Late deliveries can cause ripple effects, from dirty linen pile-ups to unexpected overtime costs. Set realistic windows, like “Deliveries between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m.,” to keep schedules on track.

Fulfillment Rates: Target a 90-98% fulfillment rate to ensure a consistent supply chain. This helps balance supply needs with flexibility for the unexpected without compromising critical operations.

Clean-to-Soil Ratios: Hold both sides accountable by setting a soiled linen return target (9-12% is ideal). This helps control linen loss so that your provider isn’t absorbing costs alone, motivating both parties to maintain stock.

Time to Walk the Talk

Setting SLAs is only the beginning – now it’s time to put them into action. Here’s how to make the most of your SLA structure:

Collaborate on SLA Design: Work closely with your provider to set achievable goals. This mutual effort builds respect and investment in the partnership.

Regular Check-ins: Schedule quarterly reviews with scorecards that track metrics and trends. Identifying and addressing issues early keeps performance on target.

Site Inspections: Conduct a short-notice inspection once a year for an honest, unfiltered look at the laundry’s operations. This isn’t about finding mistakes; it’s about ensuring alignment and building a stronger partnership.

Learn more and sign up here

Final Thought

While it’s easy to approach your SLAs like a checklist, they’re not. They’re the framework for a partnership that can stand the test of time.

With clear expectations, you’ll avoid surprises and create a strong, enduring relationship.

And hey, if you’re ready to take your infection prevention and laundry compliance know-how to the next level, check out my course, available for US$199 (usually US$300). It’s packed with strategies to help you minimize contamination risks and master healthcare laundry standards.

Got questions about SLAs or just want to chat? Reach out anytime at gregory@complianceshark.com.

Until next time,

Greg

Gregory Gicewicz | (425) 765-8894 | gregory@complianceshark.com