Kauvery Hospital Salem’s Journey of 1st Ever Model Hospital
Business Excellence Team and Salem 5S team, Kauvery Hospital
Introduction
The Salem Unit’s transformation from a standard hospital to a model hospital is a testimony to the power of consistent improvement and dedication to excellence. This journey, marked by a series of significant milestones, began in 2018 with the adoption of the 5S methodology.
Through firm commitment and strategic implementation, the unit achieved a series of honors, culminating in the prestigious recognition as the first-ever model hospital in India in 2024.
5S Initiatives
In 2018, the unit embarked on a 5S initiative, aiming to create a clean, organized, and efficient work environment. The five principles of 5S were meticulously implemented across the unit. The initial efforts of the 5S initiative yielded tangible results. The Salem Unit’s commitment to 5S extended beyond the initial implementation phase. Through consistent effort and a focus on sustainability and efforts of the 5S initiative were met with enthusiasm and dedication from the staff. Through a guidance of Mr. Selvam (Facility Director) and series of workshops and training sessions, employees learned the importance of each 5S principle and how to apply them to their daily tasks. As the unit began to implement the 5S practices, the positive impact became evident. the unit achieved remarkable results over the following years.
Leadership is a Key for 5S
Salem’s journey to becoming a Model Unit was not a quick feat but a five-year testament to dedication, hard work, and a cultivated approach. The team behind this achievement was led by Mr. Selvam, the Facility Director, whose unwavering commitment to the 5S initiative was instrumental in the unit’s remarkable transformation.
His leadership played a crucial role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. His deep understanding of the 5S principles and his ability to articulate their benefits motivated employees to actively participate in the initiative. By creating a supportive and encouraging environment, he empowered staff to take ownership of their workspaces and contribute to the overall success of the 5S program.
Focusing on making 5S understandable and implementable for frontline employees was particularly effective. He ensured that the 5S principles were integrated into the daily operations of the unit, making them a natural part of the work environment. This grassroots approach helped to create a sustainable culture of 5S that permeated all levels of the organization.
As an active member of the ABK AOTS panel and a Lead Assessor, Mr. Selvam brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Salem Unit. His guidance and expertise were invaluable in navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with the 5S journey.
The culmination of the Salem Unit’s journey came in 2024, when they were honored with the prestigious title of the first-ever model hospital in India. This recognition was a direct result of the unit’s unwavering commitment to the 5S principles, driven by the leadership. The kick-off of the Model Hospital was led by Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, our visionary Managing Director, who spearheaded the transformation of Kauvery Hospitals into a 5S-driven organization.
Basic 5S Award
The Salem Unit initiated its 5S certification process in 2018, adopting a structured approach to improve workplace organization. Through diligent efforts and a robust audit system, the team successfully achieved basic 5S certification. This accomplishment served as a solid foundation for further advancements in efficiency and organization.
The unit’s dedication to 5S was rewarded in 2019 when they received the prestigious 5S Platinum award. This recognition acknowledged the unit’s exceptional commitment to maintaining a well-organized and efficient work environment. Additionally, two members from the Salem Unit were honoured by being selected for the 5S Flying Angels program, further highlighting the unit’s achievements in 5S implementation.
Sustenance I Certification
Upon receiving the Basic 5S Award, the Salem Unit’s commitment to excellence did not waver. The team, confident in their collective strength and teamwork, immediately set their sights on the next milestone: Sustenance Level I certification. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily halted their ABK AOTS certification progress.
Undeterred by the external circumstances, the team remained resolute in their pursuit of 5S excellence. They continued to work diligently to embed 5S principles into the unit’s culture, even in the face of the pandemic’s challenges. As the situation improved, the team renewed their efforts with renewed vigor.
Through their unwavering dedication and perseverance, the Salem Unit successfully achieved Sustenance Level I certification. This accomplishment further solidified their position in 5S implementation and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to maintaining a well-organized and efficient workplace.
Sustenance II Level Certification
Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salem Unit remained steadfast in its pursuit of 5S excellence. Following the successful achievement of Sustenance Level I, the unit immediately set its sights on achieving Sustenance Level II.
Throughout this period, the unit focused on further strengthening its 5S practices, building upon the solid foundation established at the previous level. With the unwavering support of the business excellence team & with a solid operations and clinical team, the unit made significant strides towards Sustenance Level II certification.
The unit’s dedication and progress did not go unnoticed. During the certification audit, the auditors were impressed by the unit’s maturity in 5S implementation and noted that it was well-positioned to achieve the prestigious Model Unit status. This recognition validated the unit’s exceptional commitment to maintaining a well-organized and efficient workplace.
Model Hospital
Having successfully achieved Sustenance Level II, the Salem Unit set its sights on a more ambitious goal: to become the first hospital to attain Model Hospital status. This aspirational journey commenced in October 2023, with a kick-off event led by the Managing Director.
Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, our visionary Managing Director, led the kick-off of the Model Hospital. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming Kauvery Hospitals into a 5S-driven organization. With his guidance and inspiration, the Salem Unit has made significant strides in implementing 5S principles and achieving excellence in workplace organization and efficiency. Dr. Selvaraj’s commitment to 5S has not only motivated employees but has also created a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
The team prioritized two key areas: Kaizen and NVA projects.
The business excellence team played a crucial role in strengthening several factors, including interactions with the MD, R&R dashboards, and QOK competitions. These initiatives facilitated the resolution of challenges.
By fostering a culture of 5S and focusing on Lean methodologies, the team successfully identified and implemented numerous NVA projects, further bolstering their progress. When the assessment date was announced, the team intensified their efforts, driven by strong leadership and teamwork.
The unit successfully passed a pre-assessment with minimal points. the team took the Final earlier than anticipated and despite facing unexpected challenges during the main team review, the team’s commitment and strategic approach enabled them to overcome obstacles and maintain their momentum and achieved the first ever Hospital Model Hospital status.
Conclusion
The KHS unit’s successful attainment of the 5S Model Hospital Certification is a testament to its unwavering dedication to operational excellence. This achievement is a result of a collaborative effort involving leadership, employees, and dedicated teams, who worked together to effectively implement and maintain the 5S principles. The journey to certification was marked by significant milestones, including the establishment of strong leadership, effective team collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Team collaboration was essential in achieving the and develop innovative strategies to optimize their workspace. The unit fostered a culture of teamwork and mutual support, which was instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.
Testimonial
Mr. Selvam
Facility Director
It is indeed a great pleasure and pride to lift the Model 5S Company Trophy, the first of its kind in India, announced by ABK AOTS.
We focus on discipline, simplicity, pride, standardization, and repeatability—principles that are critical to the lean enterprise. The outcome of our focused efforts has yielded remarkable results for our patients.
With the commitment and involvement of everyone in our unit, we have reached this milestone within just six years of its commencement.
On behalf of my team, I extend heartfelt thanks to our Managing Director,
Dr S. Manivannan, and our mentor, Mr. Mukundan, for having confidence in us and encouraging us to move forward without pause.
Cheers!
Salem’s journey to becoming a 5S Model Hospital was not a quick feat but a five-year testament to dedication, hard work, and a cultivated approach. The team behind this achievement was…
Model Hospital
Sustenance Level II Certification:
Sustenance Level I Certification
