Expanding Outpatient Surgery Services

Although there has been a strong demand for outpatient surgery services during the past year, the ambulatory director has not increased the volume of patients scheduled for services. After receiving complaints from physicians that it takes too long to schedule patients for surgery, the hospital administrator has decided to expand the operation. The hospital administrator would like to begin scheduling more patients immediately. The hospital administrator asked that you assist the ambulatory director in facilitating the expansion. The new capital budget includes funds for the additional equipment, and the purchasing department has committed to acquiring it quickly. However, the salary budget does not permit the hiring of any additional personnel.

You plan to bring your recommendations to the next meeting with the ambulatory director that will allow the expansion to occur without an increase in FTEs (full-time equivalents) or staff.

1. Identify some of the issues and challenges involved in allocating resources.
2. Suggest approaches and recommendations for managing the situation.
3. Consider tangible and intangible resources.