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Preparing Your Linen Program for Seasonal Changes

As the seasons change, healthcare facilities often see more than just a drop in temperature. Patient volumes rise with flu season, COVID spikes, and year-end insurance deadlines that drive additional visits and elective procedures. These shifts can put added pressure on your linen program. Now is the perfect time to take a proactive approach—evaluating your par levels, refreshing employee education, and ensuring your linen mix supports both patient comfort and operational efficiency throughout the colder months.
 

1. Reasses Par Levels

Seasonal fluctuations can quickly expose gaps in linen inventory. ✅ Take time now to review your current par levels and adjust for anticipated surges. Building in the right buffer ensures you’re prepared for higher demand without overstocking. Your Crown representative can help make par-level recommendations. 


2. Adjust for Seasonal Linen 

Patients often need extra warmth during colder months, whether through additional bath blankets, layered sheets, or warmer robes. Layering flat sheets is one of the most effective approaches. It provides comfort and insulation more efficiently than adding a bath blanket or even an extra thermal spread.
 

3. Focus on Comfort & Satisfaction

Consider whether your facility should upgrade certain items, like robes or women’s wear, to improve the patient experience. Premium touches can make a lasting impression during colder weather.
 

4. Audit Storage & Distribution 

Avoid overfilling clean linen storage areas, as this often leads to hoarding or misuse. Instead, encourage staff to keep warmer items, such as extra flat sheets, readily available on covered carts. Linen should always be stored in designated clean areas, never in patient rooms or at nursing stations.
 

5. Employee Education Matters

The colder months are the perfect time to refresh your team on best practices for linen use and storage. A quick reminder keeps everyone aligned, reduces waste, and ensures patients always have the linens they need. Ask your service representative about Crown’s QuickCare™ Linen Lessons—short, on-the-floor education sessions designed to help cut costs, boost efficiency, and extend linen lifespan.
 

6. Plan Ahead for Holidays & Year-End

📅 Place orders early and keep your team informed of any delivery adjustments.
📈 Plan ahead for end-of-year demand. Seasonal illnesses and insurance-driven patient visits often create spikes in volume—early preparation helps prevent shortages.
🤝 Communicate with your Crown representative. If your facility will be closing or needs orders held, share those details in advance to ensure a smooth process.

🦃🎄✨ Please note: Crown is closed only three times a year - Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s. We will communicate any changes in your delivery schedule in advance to ensure you have the right linen when you need it.

We understand how seasonal shifts can impact your daily operations. The Crown team is here to partner with you, making sure you have the right linen at the right time. Together, we’ll keep your staff supported and your patients comfortable throughout the entire season.