Operational Research for the Hospital Supply Service

Abstract

This article discusses work carried out by the Operational Research Executive of the National Coal Board for the Department of Health and Social Security on Hospital Supply problems. Two case studies are presented, one concerned with stock control and the other with stores centralization. There is a discussion of the models used and the approach adopted. The work has assisted in bringing about desirable changes in hospital supply. One of the keys to success has been the considerable post-research work carried out and this is described.

^*Present address: Department of Health, Lambton Quay, Wellington, New Zealand.

^*Present address: Department of Health, Lambton Quay, Wellington, New Zealand.