570News - Jeff Allan

Recently our operation went through some changes and remodeling. One thing we did was ask every department to stop using their own coffee makers, kettles, toasters and other appliances for safety and conservation reasons.  In return for our cooperation the management decided to provide coffee and tea at no charge to us.

In our kitchen we had a single cup beverage delivery system. We used to pay per cup, but now we pay nothing. It’s a good deal I guess; however their is something that I’ve noticed over the past month that we’ve been doing this.

Now that the coffee is free guess what? We have a line-up for it, the equipment is wearing down quicker, and the stock or product (coffee & tea)  is gone three times as fast; and often it’s out of stock unlike before when there was a small charge for the service.  It occurred to me that this is exactly what happens in our health care system.  Give something away for free and the result is the same; first you get a line-up,  next your system gets run down,  and then you’re out of stock or product.   Just something to think about the next time you need medical services.

                                                        Jeff Allan