Authors: (including presenting author): :
WONG LC(1), WONG SP(1), LEUNG SS(1), CHUNG SC(1), YU LM(2), TSANG SC(2), LEUNG HY(1), LI KY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Community Nursing Service, Princess Margaret Hospital (2) Community Health Care, Kowloon West Cluster
Keyword 1: :
safer workplace
Keyword 2: :
implementation of 7S
Keyword 3: :
more efficient workplace
Keyword 4: :
community nursing service
Keyword 5: :
patient resource centre
Introduction: :
A well-organized workplace is fundamental to maintaining operational safety, efficiency, and quality in healthcare settings. While the traditional 5S model provides a foundation for workplace organization, this project adopted an enhanced 7S methodology to better align with specific organizational goals. In support of PMH's Green Environmental Protection and paperless initiatives - which inherently reduce document handling and transportation - two additional S's, Safety and Saving, were incorporated. This expanded framework aims to proactively minimize unnecessary manual handling operations, reduce resource waste and lower the associated risk of Injuries on Duty (IOD), while reinforcing sustainable, safe and efficient work practices.
Objectives: :
The aim of this project is to transform the workplace into a safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective environment through the systematic and structured application of the enhanced 7S framework, encompassing Sorting, Systematizing, Sanitizing, Standardizing, Self-discipline, Safety, and Saving.
Methodology: :
Implementation was commenced with staff training and systematic preparation. Structured training sessions were delivered to all PMH Community Nursing Service (CNS) and Patient Resource Centre (PRC) staff to build awareness and secure engagement. The preparatory phase included: 1) clearly defining roles and responsibilities; 2) developing 7S-specific pre- and post-audit checklists; 3) reviewing and consolidating existing related checklists; 4) standardizing product labelling; 5) establishing a consistent visual management format; and 6) optimizing the workplace floor plan.
Result & Outcome: :
Evaluation would include comparing pre- and post-implementation audit results to assess improvements in workplace organization and standardization, as well as reviewing the service quality, work efficiency and safety workplace. Efficiency gains would be measured by comparing time spent in locating equipment or documents and workflow interruptions. Resource utilization would be evaluated through changes in paper consumption, printing costs, and material waste. In addition, staff experience surveys would be conducted to gather feedback to guide future improvements in implementation.
Implementing the enhanced 7S methodology in the PMH CNS Centre and PRC improves workplace safety, efficiency and sustainability. By incorporating Safety and Saving into traditional 5S model, the initiative reduces manual handling risks, minimizes waste, supports paperless practices and streamlines workflows. Ongoing evaluation and staff feedback will help sustain these gains and drive continuous improvement.
