The True Cost of Running Out of Medical Supplies

When healthcare teams think about “cost,” they often think in terms of invoices and budgets. But in reality, the true cost of a stockout goes far beyond the price of a missing box of gloves or wound dressings.
In GP practices and care homes, even a short delay in receiving supplies can have ripple effects that affect patient safety, staff morale, and overall efficiency.
 

1. Disruption to Patient Care
   If key items aren’t available, care may be delayed, rescheduled, or delivered with suboptimal alternatives. This can lead to patient dissatisfaction, reputational damage, and in some cases, clinical risk.
2. Increased Staff Stress and Workload
   When supplies run out, staff are forced to scramble — making calls to multiple suppliers, arranging emergency deliveries, or travelling to other sites to borrow stock. This takes valuable time away from patient-facing care.
3. Emergency Order Costs
   Last-minute orders often carry higher delivery fees, minimum order charges, or inflated product prices. Over time, these unplanned costs can significantly inflate your budget.
4. Wasted Appointments and Lost Revenue
   If a patient is booked in for a service requiring specific consumables — for example, certain diagnostic tests — and those items aren’t available, the appointment may need to be cancelled. This not only wastes a slot but may also result in lost income.
5. Hidden Administrative Costs
   Manual tracking, re-ordering, and chasing late deliveries all add hidden labour costs that rarely appear on a budget sheet but can add up over time.

 

The Solution:

Preventing stockouts isn’t just about keeping shelves full — it’s about protecting your ability to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective care.
AI-powered systems like Medulla AI help you anticipate demand, reorder automatically, and ensure you’re always prepared.

By taking a proactive approach, you reduce the risk of last-minute costs, wasted time, and compromised patient care.