The Impact of COVID-19: A Case Study from Stryker
Stryker’s commitment throughout these unprecedented times has been to keep our employees and their families safe whilst responding to our customers’ needs so they can focus on taking care of their patients.
We have adapted as an organisation and our Newbury employees have shown tremendous flexibility and commitment to working in different ways. This has enabled us to continue to respond to customer requests via calls and emails, process orders, ship product and kits, and carry out service repairs and maintenance on equipment. Social distancing and working on split shifts or from home was implemented early on in the pandemic, and with precautions such as enhanced cleaning schedules, wearing PPE and temperature checking of employees, the team have ensured that they are keeping themselves, their families and each other safe.
Our employees have continued to support emergency and hospital staff for critical cases. The return to elective procedures in the NHS is still limited. Now more than ever, we rely on leadership from the ABHI to support our interaction and needs from the healthcare system in order to plan and adapt for the future.
The changing environment is challenging as we navigate the changing ways we interact with our customers whilst maintaining the service and support we have always provided. We are using technology in new ways to connect with customers to meet their needs. We have limited travel and are holding meetings and educational events virtually.
Stryker has increased production of our products that can assist during this pandemic, including hygiene, disinfecting and surgical protection products, as well as hospital beds, stretchers and defibrillators. By leveraging our in-house research and development experts we have been able to launch essential new products in response to COVID 19, working with regulatory bodies to accelerate required authorisation and availability.
Inspired by our healthcare professionals and one another, our employees are using their time, talent and resources to offer support beyond their daily roles at Stryker. Employees have donated to local charities and global organisations. Staff have engaged in virtual volunteer organisations and have shared their stories of impact with each other to inspire and share learning.
We have concentrated on what we can do to best support healthcare professionals on the front line and with the evolving landscape and changing policies, have adapted as an organisation to meet our customers’ needs.
Stryker remains committed to making a difference and staying true to our mission because, together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better.
Sandra Lawrence, Public Affairs & Commercial Director, Stryker UK & ABHI Board Member