Sterilization Wraps

[midi]

I was wondering if anybody is using the "new" Gemini wraps from Medline. We recently had a simple in-service and demonstration. We didn't like them because we were using the kimberly clark one steps, which we loved. Now, our purchasing department ordered Gemini and we are stuck with them. I think that we are going "backwards" from the convenience of one step to two sheets of low grade wrap that is hard to work with and seems to take more time in having to grab two sheets instead of one. I need to vent to someone that understands, I am so disgusted with them, I could scream. Nobody asked our department(there are only two of us} what we thought of them, and just because they were less expensive, we got them!The people that ordered them have no idea what an inconvenience they caused. I would like to hear some feedback from anyone that uses these wraps. I feel very bitter that we didn't have a choice. Its like going from top of the line wraps to something inferior. Thanks for letting me vent, I hope to hear from someone soon. Also, would like to say, I'm happy to finally get back to the forum.

[Uprooted Scrub]

Midi:

Your KC rep could probably provide you with LOADS of data about why their wrappers are better. Regardless of the price of each wrapper, there are a bunch of tests (stretching, tear resistance, permeability, etc) that companies do before fielding a product. I did research about KC wrappers years ago to justify getting them in the facility I was working in at that time, and they simply were the best thing going at that time. If you're happy with the data that your KC rep gives you, you might be able to make a case for switching back because we all want to do the very best we can for our patients, and using an inferior wrapper is NOT doing the best thing for patients.

Hope this helps!

Blaine

[Harvey Johnson]

It's the old "stepping over dollars to save a nickel" story from your purchasing department, they need a little "education".
I would involve the O.R. Manager in your negotiations with purchasing, it shouldn't take too many instrumentation delays from torn wrappers arriving at the surgical suite for you to get the KC wrap back in your department!

[sonny1388]

As a former materials guy with some ties still to that department, I understand how frustrating it can be to have an item changed without notice or information or trialing because of a price difference. Here are a couple of things that you can ask that might help: Do you have a GPO? Are both wraps covered under it if you do? How much is the price difference? Is it enough of a savings to justify the extra time it takes to complete a wrap? Is the product inferior? Have they talked to the KC rep about the pricing? (a lot of times if the issue is brought up, the reps can negotiate a more comparable price) Are you getting the same grade of wrap for the cheaper price? As SPD mentioned, a couple of delayed surgeries due to torn wrap is bound to turn some heads. If your place is anything like ours, the materials department will realize that their customers aren't happy, and will change. Hope it works out for you!

[midi]

Thanks for your support Sonny, at least I know someone out there understands.I will see if I can talk to the KC rep about comparable pricing. I do hope that I can get somewhere with him.Sometimes, or should I say almost always cheaper is far from better. I will let you know how things are progressing. Right now, I am discouraged and really disgusted with the entire matter, but I feel that I will win in a long run!