Shouldice-Case

Assignment – Shouldice Case
1. What is so special about Shouldice compared to a typical hospital? 

        Shouldice Hospital specializes in hernia repair. Shouldice hospital had built their reputation by providing not only a large amount of operations but also high quality of service. One of its unique attribute is that Shouldice is a hospital that focuses only on uncomplicated external hernia and utilizes its own superior technique specialized for this type of Hernia. 

        The friendly atmosphere and socializing opportunity is the second trait that makes this hospital special. For example, the patient rooms are semiprivate, containing 2 beds with an assigned roommate who has similar backgrounds or interests. The evening before and after their operation, patients can enjoy tea and cookies in the lounge while socializing with other patients. This also gives a chance for patients who have their operation the next day to talk with those whose operations had been completed earlier. Because of its small facility this also means that there is more one-to-one interaction with the patient and their doctor as well as other staffs and patients. All of these factors help patients be acquainted with the situation and reduce their anxiety which would make them feel much more comfortable than a typical general hospital.

        Additionally, Shouldice’s hospital is unique in that patients are subject to early ambulation for the healing process. After the surgery, the patients will already begin exercising right after a short rest. This promotes faster healing, which allows them to stay at the hospital for only three days. This quick start of healing also helps the patient to return to work within only a few days. Because of the highly experienced procedure, good quality service and friendly atmosphere the patients were able to have a pleasant time during its stay which ultimately contributes to the hospital’s success.

2. What is the capacity rate of the hospital and what is the average bed utilization? 

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Capacity rate: 60/90       90/90       90/90        90/90       60/90          30/90    30/90
                 = 66%      100%       100%        100%        66%                   33%         33%                

The hospital has 90 beds and we assume that the daily admission is 30 patients.
Available beds-days = 7days/week* 90 beds =630 beds available in a week
Used beds-days = 30 patients x 3 days x 5 days per week = 450 beds utilized
Capacity rate: Maximum possible output rate = 630 beds