Sterile storage is a critical aspect of hospital operations, yet many facilities still rely on outdated systems that limit efficiency and jeopardize the cleanliness and protection of stored materials. At Spire Healthcare Cambridge Lea, this challenge became increasingly apparent as their aging shelving solutions struggled to support growing inventory needs.
With cluttered storage areas, delays in retrieval, and difficulty managing stock levels, the hospital needed a better solution that could support operational efficiency and protect sensitive equipment.
About the Facility
Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital is a private hospital located in Impington, Cambridge, UK. As one of the region’s leading private healthcare providers, the hospital offers a wide range of services to both NHS and privately funded patients.
The facility includes 44 inpatient rooms and 19 day-case bays, supported by five operating theatres and a dedicated sterile services department. Serving patients across Cambridgeshire and East Anglia, the hospital handles a high volume of surgical procedures and relies on efficient, compliant sterile storage to maintain daily operations.
The Challenge: Workflow Inefficiencies
Despite its modern clinical environment, Spire Cambridge Lea’s Sterile Services department faced several challenges. Their primary issues included:
- Limited storage space, causing clutter and disorganization
- Difficulty locating medical supplies quickly
- Compliance concerns regarding the safe storage and handling of sterile equipment
- Inefficient inventory management, leading to supply shortages and overstocking
To maintain high standards of care and compliance, the team sought a modern, healthcare-grade solution that would maximize space while supporting sterile storage protocols within the hospital.
The Solution: MetroMax High-Density Plastic Shelving
Working with Millione, an experienced UK-based distributor of Metro healthcare solutions, the team at Spire Healthcare identified MetroMax® 4 high-density track shelving as the ideal fit for their sterile storage upgrade.
MetroMax 4 is an all-plastic shelving system featuring open-grid shelves that promote airflow and prevent dust buildup to help maintain sterile conditions. Its smooth surfaces and corrosion-proof materials are easy to clean and maintain, offering long-term durability in demanding healthcare environments.
To address limited space, which is a universal problem among healthcare facilities, the hospital also incorporated Metro qwikTRAK® high-density shelving, allowing for greater storage capacity without expanding the department’s footprint. This track system enables stationary and mobile units to operate within a single aisle, maximizing floor space while improving organization and accessibility.
Key components of the solution:
- Modular shelving units with adjustable configurations to accommodate changing inventory
- High-density mobile shelving to maximize available floor space
- Sterile storage enhancements designed to protect surgical sets and sensitive equipment
- Integrated inventory labeling for better tracking and supply management
Seamless Implementation
To avoid disrupting day-to-day operations, installation was carried out early in the morning, with careful planning to ensure the space was optimized from day one. Staff were also trained on the new system, providing a smooth transition and long-term success.
Measurable Results
Since the installation of MetroMax track shelving, the hospital has reported significant improvements to its workflow and overall efficiency:
- 30% increase in storage capacity through better use of vertical space and high-density configurations
- 50% reduction in retrieval time due to clearer organization and easier access
- Improved compliance and hygiene, supporting regulatory standards and internal protocols
- Reduced labor costs, as staff spend less time searching for supplies
Learn more about the benefits of high-density storage in sterile processing departments.
Customer Perspective
“We opted for the MetroMax 4 polymer grid system, which offers safe and efficient storage for our sterile sets while preventing any risk of wraps being torn. This system ensures that sterile sets are properly stored and protected—helping us maintain efficiency and avoid costly cancellations due to compromised packaging.”
— Louise Mead, Sterile Services Manager, Spire Cambridge Lea
Conclusion: The Metro Difference
The MetroMax track shelving installation transformed the hospital’s storage capabilities, significantly improving efficiency, accessibility, and operational effectiveness. By implementing a structured approach to storage management, the hospital enhanced patient care and streamlined workflows.
Learn how to optimize your sterile processing storage with MetroMax shelving.