Medline has signed a prime vendor distribution agreement with Kaweah Health, a California-based community hospital, for medical and surgical supplies.

Under this multi-year agreement, Medline will support Kaweah Health's efforts to maintain quality patient care while seeking cost savings post-pandemic.

The new agreement is built on a relationship of more than ten years, during which Medline has worked closely with the healthcare organisation to enhance its supply chain efficiency and identify cost-saving opportunities.

With over 600 beds, Kaweah Health provides services in Tulare and Kings Counties.

Medline regional field sales vice-president Sherry Yeom said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Kaweah Health after more than a decade of collaboration.

“This new prime vendor agreement allows us to support their organisation more holistically, delivering a full range of healthcare solutions while streamlining supply chain processes across their network.”

The distribution of supplies to Kaweah Health will be managed from Medline's distribution centre in Tracy, California, spanning over one million square foot.

Additionally, Kaweah Health will benefit from Medline's advanced analytics platforms. This will enable the healthcare organisation to monitor key operational metrics such as contract compliance, item utilisation, price accuracy and spending by product categories easily.

Kaweah Health procurement and logistics director Steve Bajari said: “We are excited to operate with a supplier that demonstrates a shared value of client-first service, as their team has become an extension of ours.

“Transitioning vendors can be daunting, but as inevitable bumps in the road occur, we have seen Medline work with us as a true partner, working immediately to right the issue with creatively-tailored solutions, confirming our distribution partner decision.”

Through the partnership with Medline, Kaweah Health aims to increase transparency and efficiency in its procurement processes.