Years Later

Years have passed. Careville UMC has developed into a Lean hospital with an international reputation. Careville’s production numbers have increased signicantly and patient satisfaction is the best in the country for the second-year running. The number of medical incidents has dropped so low that the health inspection has asked questions about it. Under the watchful eye of Jeanne Smith, the Lean team has reached all of Careville’s departments. And now, with the program’s goal achieved, it’s time to end it (see Box 7.1 on Program Management).