Ms. Carol Reilly
SVP - ISH, Inc.

Dear Carol,

I am writing you to thank you for the work ISH has done for The University of Chicago Hospitals over the past two years.

As you know, when we first engaged ISH at the end of 2002 we had just initiated a major process change in our sterile processing operation. Previously our trays had largely been handled by nurses and OR techs within the OR suites, using our limited sterilization capacity in these suites as well as extensive flashing. This resulted in insufficient quality control. We had steadily downsized our basement sterile processing operation over the years. When we decided to move trays downstairs for processing, this created an instantaneous need for recruitment, training, physical refurbishment, purchase of new trays, and process redesign which the new management was unable to deal with on its own. We therefore brought in ISH to help.

Over the past two years ISH has helped us extensively with all these problems. They have designed and conducted training courses. They have helped us implement a computerized tray tracking system. They have supplemented management as needed. They have helped us order the many new trays the system required and to introduce radically changed processes. Further, they have done this with diligence and their staff has often given up weekends and evenings to make this work. In particular, Joe Muraski, the leader of this engagement has been an indispensable steady hand.

As a result, our tray accuracy has vastly improved and our rates of contamination are negligible. Surgeon satisfaction, which had been very low, has substantially improved.

I would certainly recommend ISH based on the performance I have seen over the past two years.

Yours

D. Allan Gray
Vice President, Perioperative Services
The University of Chicago Hospitals