Planning ahead. Helping clinks prepare for patient surges.
As Max Carter leaves turned orange and the mornings became chilly, Max packed his backpack for another busy day. Inside were catalogs, notes, and his favorite helper — a shiny blue pen named Scout.
Scout peeked out of the backpack.
“Brrr!” he said. “It must be flu season.”
Max smiled. “That’s right. And that means doctor’s offices are about to get very busy.”
Scout nodded. “So today we’ll write lots of orders?”
“Maybe,” Max said. “But first, we need to make sure our customers are ready.”
Planning ahead
Their first stop was Maple Grove Family Clinic.
Inside, Nurse Sarah was organizing exam rooms.
“Good morning, Max!” she said. “Things are quiet now, but we know that won’t last.”
“When flu season arrives,” Max said, “you’ll be seeing lots of patients every day.”
Scout whispered, “Sounds like everyone needs a plan.”
“Exactly,” Max replied.
Max and Nurse Sarah walked through the supply room together.
“Do you have enough flu tests?” Max asked.
Sarah checked the shelf.
“We’re getting low.”
“What about gloves, masks and disinfectant wipes?”
Sarah looked again.
“We should probably order more before things get busy.”
Scout bounced excitedly.
“Now we’re thinking ahead!”
Max smiled. “It’s much easier to prepare before patients fill the waiting room.”
Sarah nodded. “If we wait until we’re out of supplies, it could be too late.”
Ready to help
After making a list of everything the clinic would need, Max and Scout headed back to the car.
Scout looked thoughtful.
“So today wasn’t just about selling supplies.”
“No,” Max said. “It was about helping the clinic be ready before flu season arrives.”
Scout grinned.
“When doctors and nurses have the supplies they need, they can spend more time taking care of patients.”
“And that’s our job,” Max said.
He clipped Scout back onto his shirt.
“Ready for the next clinic?”
Scout smiled.
“Always. Let’s help everyone get ready before the first sneeze!”