Communication

Communication

R. Bart Meza/CHFM, Project Manager, Carl R. Darnall Medical Center, Fort Hood Texas

Communication plays a fundamental role in all facets of business. It is therefore very important that both internal communication within your organization as well as the communication skills of your employees are clear and effective. It is a fact effective communication within any organization is essential as it:

 

• Builds and maintains relationships
• Facilitates Innovation
• Builds an Effective Team
• Helps with Managing Employees
• Contributes to Growth of the Company
• Ensures Transparency
• Assures Safety and Efficiency

As the O&M Contractor at an Army Medical Center working with a variety of support services it has become imperative to assure clear communication is conveyed across all disciplines for maintenance activities primarily for safety and efficiency. Too often while performing the multitude of testing and minor construction activities on a day to day basis we have identified how miscommunication has contributed to near-miss situations that could lead to avoidable accidents if only all parties involved would have made their actions or activities clear. I believe any persons in the Health Care EOC arena could identify such issues within their own organization thinking about day to day activities that occur.

From a Safety point of view we operate with multidisciplinary tradesmen utilizing radio communications, a common example is if tradesmen from two different fields such as Plumbing and Electrical are working on systems within their fields and a radio request to ‘turn it on/off ‘is messaged this could lead to the accidental activation of a power source that could cause injuries or damage to the Facility.

From an Efficiency point of view we often identify that miscommunication has an effect on scheduling and procurement activities, too many times Materials and Supplies are ordered or filled incorrectly due to assumptions or lack of trade knowledge. When tradesmen are completing material request many times they assume the materials handler/clerk knows exactly what he/she wants based on a brief or vague written request, an extra moment of explanation (communication) can assure the intended materials are ordered and received accurately thus promoting a smooth and expeditious repair to critical and vital systems and equipment.

When scheduling Minor Construction and Renovation activities in your facility it is beneficial to provide a Clear and Precise Scope of Work to the vendors allowing time to conduct site visits as needed with all entities involved and cost proposals that include all requested action items. This will assure transparency with all members of the team and help to avoid any delays in delivery of the project and/or pay request and better prepare for any unknown issues that may arise during the construction/renovation process.