Laundry & Linen College Class Spotlight: Equipping Leaders with Essential Skills

Laundry & Linen College Class Spotlight: Equipping Leaders with Essential Skills

 For laundry professionals in the healthcare industry, effective operations go beyond simply processing linens on time. Today’s laundry managers must be adept in a variety of specialized skills, from planning for emergencies and mastering transportation logistics to understanding capital expenditures and managing technology risks. The Laundry Management Class at the Laundry & Linen College addresses these critical areas, providing participants with a toolkit for success in a challenging field.

This course is particularly timely, given the ever-evolving demands on healthcare laundry services. Laundry managers are increasingly expected to optimize efficiency, ensure compliance with safety standards, and adopt new technologies—all while staying responsive to client needs. Leading this session is Jason Hartsell, vice president of operations at United Hospital Services (UHS), who brings a wealth of industry knowledge and hands-on experience. With more than 20 years at UHS, Jason has overseen major expansions, implemented RFID technology, and streamlined UHS’s delivery fleet, setting an example of leadership in laundry operations. Here’s a look at what participants can expect to learn in this class and why it’s essential for professionals aiming to advance in the industry.

1. Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP): Ensuring Continuity in Crisis

Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) is a foundational topic in the Laundry Management Class, and for good reason. Laundry services play a vital role in healthcare facilities, where disruptions can have significant impacts on patient care. DRP involves developing strategies to protect the business from interruptions, whether due to natural disasters, power outages or equipment failures.

The class will cover the goals of DRP, which include minimizing downtime, protecting employees and ensuring patient and staff safety. Participants will learn how to identify potential threats to operations, ranging from supply chain disruptions to power outages, and to differentiate between replacement and continuation strategies for critical resources. Jason will guide attendees in assessing whether to rely on backup equipment or make immediate replacements to sustain operations during a disaster.

2. Transportation and Logistics: Optimizing Movement for Maximum Efficiency

Managing transportation is a critical aspect of laundry operations serving offsight customers. This segment of the course will cover best practices for transportation and logistics in the laundry industry, examining various delivery methods, management models and essential regulations. Participants will explore transport methods, including delivery and pick-up routes, reverse logistics and the role of warehouses in managing clean and soiled linens.

Jason has a deep understanding of transportation logistics from his work in reshaping UHS’s delivery fleet and establishing the first two UHS depots. His insights into different models—from contracted and leased transportation to company-owned and shared resources—will provide attendees with strategies to optimize their own fleet and improve route efficiency. Additionally, the course will highlight safety and infection control protocols that are especially critical in healthcare settings, ensuring participants can uphold stringent safety standards and protect both staff and patients during transit.

3. Analyzing Capital Expenditures: Making Informed Investment Decisions

Capital expenditures are a key consideration for any laundry operation, and the class provides participants with practical skills for analyzing these investments. This presentation will offer attendees valuable insights into payback analysis, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR), all of which help laundry managers make financially sound investments in equipment, facilities and technology.

Participants will learn how to weigh the costs and benefits of major purchases, whether it’s investing in energy-efficient washers, expanding fleet capacity, or upgrading facility infrastructure. Understanding these financial metrics allows laundry managers to prioritize projects that offer the highest returns and long-term benefits. With Jason’s guidance, attendees will gain the confidence to make data-driven investment decisions that support both operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

4. Information Technology Risks and Mitigation: Protecting Data and Ensuring Security

In today’s tech-driven world, IT risks are a significant concern for laundry operations that rely on digital tools for inventory management, route planning, and customer service. The class will cover information technology risks and best practices for mitigating these vulnerabilities, ensuring that laundry managers can safeguard their data and maintain operational integrity.

Jason has spearheaded technological advancements at UHS, including the implementation of RFID tracking for isolation gowns and quality-checking systems for sheets. He understands the importance of protecting these technologies from potential risks, such as data breaches and system failures. Participants will learn to identify and mitigate risks associated with IT systems, understanding the role of cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information. The course will also cover how to develop a response plan in case of a technology-related incident, providing managers with peace of mind in an increasingly digital landscape.

Why the Laundry Management Class Is Essential for Professionals

For laundry managers in the healthcare industry, operational excellence is more than a goal—it’s a necessity. The Laundry Management Class at Laundry & Linen College provides professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to meet this demand. By focusing on critical topics like disaster recovery, logistics, capital expenditure analysis and IT risk management, the class empowers laundry managers to optimize their operations, reduce risks and enhance service quality.

Whether attendees are new to the field or seasoned managers looking to refine their skills, this course offers valuable lessons that will impact every aspect of their operation. Jason Hartsell’s expertise and practical insights make this class an invaluable opportunity for laundry professionals aiming to excel in a dynamic and demanding industry.

The next Laundry & Linen College is November 18-22 in Lexington, Kentucky.  More information is available at www.almnet.org/LaundryLinenCollege.