Juli Meador honored with Innovation Award, wins smartwatch for idea that will save thousands annually

The Operational Innovation (OI) team is excited to announce that Juli Meador, an instrument coordinator in the Sterile Processing Department at Methodist Hospital, is the Innovation Award smartwatch winner for second quarter of 2024! 

Juli was part of a team that submitted a money-saving idea associated with trabeculotomy procedures, which treat glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. The team proposed replacing a frequently used disposable tool with a less expensive, reusable item. The change is projected to save $8,000 in 2024. Additionally, it will reduce overhead by requiring less storage for the disposable tools, which are susceptible to back order and expiration.

The OI team also wishes to recognize and thank the other team members involved in submitting this idea. They are Byron Borkowski, Dr. Martin Mizener and Daniel Schreiber.

More on the Innovation Award

The Innovation Award was introduced in 2022 to celebrate employee-generated ideas to reduce avoidable spending, increase efficiencies, boost revenue and enhance the quality of care we provide.

Submissions for the Innovation Award must be made through the NMHS Service Portal on the intranet home page (NMHS Service Portal > Request Something > Innovation Award Submission). You can also follow the link provided on the Operational Innovation intranet page. Ideas may be submitted by full- and part-time employees below the service leader/manager level. If you have questions regarding the Innovation Award, email @email.

More on Operational Innovation

The OI department is a five-member team that works across Methodist Health System to promote and foster a culture of continuous improvement (CI), partner with system leaders to facilitate CI initiatives, and educate and coach teams on CI methodology and tools.

For more information about Operational Innovation, its available services and its educational offerings, visit the OI intranet site (Intranet Home > Departments > Operational Innovation). You can also reach out to an OI team member directly either via phone or email.