Responsibilities & Duties of a Hospital Plant Manager

• Hospitals are large entities that have a lot of moving parts. While there is the human resources department to handle personnel issues, another department is needed to handle the building and equipment requirements. These duties are commonly covered by a hospital plant manager. A plant manager works behind the scenes of a hospital. The role of the hospital plant manager is more of a support role to the functions of the hospital that people see upon entering.

Safety

• The safety of employees and patients at a hospital is a major concern. The plant manager ensures the safety of those who visit the hospital and work there. This means that the hospital grounds are kept free of debris and other things that could pose a risk to foot traffic. If medical equipment has become damaged or faulty, it is the plant manager's job to remove it from service and replace it. The plant manager also ensures that the vital hospital building components are in working order. This includes the heating and cooling systems and water supplies.

Operating Budget

• The annual budget is a challenging task for hospitals to lay out. A plant manager submits what he thinks will be required to maintain all of the systems of the hospital for the coming year. Once the annual budget is approved, the plant manager allocates the funds that have been entrusted to him. The plant manager's budget and expenses must be consistent with the business objectives of the hospital. He must also reduce spending whenever possible.

Communication

• A hospital plant manager has a large communication responsibility. The plant manager must communicate to new employees the proper way to complete tasks and procedures through training. She must also convey what the proper corporate culture is and what is expected of the employee when arriving at work. The plant manager also communicates with upper management and provides reports as needed. These reports cover anything from budgetary concerns to the status of equipment maintenance for the hospital.

Compliance

• The plant manager of a hospital must stay current with environmental, health and safety concerns. If a new compliance regulation has been implemented for hospitals, it is the plant manager's job to ensure compliance and begin training the personnel whom the regulation will affect. The implementation of the new compliance requirement must be completed within the time specified by the government.