Flexibility in healthcare

Flexibility in the healthcare industry is the  ability for the organization to change directions quickly and at low cost, given unanticipated changes in the competitive situation. 

Though there are several types of flexibility, but the top ones are: The options to defer; The option to grow; The option to contract; The option to shut down; The option to abandon; The option to expand.

Methodist healthcare in the greater Memphis area remains flexible and competitive. The examples of some of their actions are tabulated underneath.

Types of Flexibility and Examples of Actions That Can Create

Types of Flexibility	Examples
The option to defer	Option to defer purchasing transportation van, instead contracting service through a 3rd party.
The option to grow	Methodist Healthcare, decides to open up a new hospital in Olive Branch, MS.
The option to contract	Contracts temporary staff to cover week nights and weekends
The option to shut down and restart	Recently shut down the hospital at Fayete County in TN.
The option to abandon	Recently abandoned the SNF program and outsourced the whole program to the Signature health care.
The option to expand	Recently added the new service by aligning with West cancer center and opening of the hospice house.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely personal and do not express the views or opinions of any other person or entity.