This department is responsible for the coordination of supplies for patient care. 

Scope of Patient Care 

Department Duties

• Procurement
• Responsible for the procurement and coordination of supplies, equipment and services.
• Assures that the best product is procured at the best price, and is received on a timely basis.
• Contracts Management
• Responsible for the assessment, collaboration, negotiation, execution and maintenance of contracts.
• Assure that review and negotiation of pricing, terms and conditions for the procurement of supplies, equipment, maintenance services and support is conducted.
• Assure that the contracts are properly executed by authorized personnel.
• Prepare request for proposal to further assure expenditure of capital funds are optimized and that the best equipment, software and related services are procured at the best price and is received on a timely basis.
• Distribution
• Responsible for maintaining adequate levels of supplies for patient care areas 24 hours per day and receiving supplies.
• Assure that the quality of supplies is not compromised by conducting proper stock rotation, checking expiration dates and cleaning all stock locations on a scheduled basis.
• Responsible for properly maintaining and distributing patient care equipment.
• Assure that the equipment is in proper working order, has had routine preventative maintenance performed, and has been decontaminated between patients.
• Responsible for receiving and dispersing freight (equipment, supplies, etc.) and mail.
• Responsible for assuring that all copiers are in good working order.
• Responsible for storing and redistributing surplus equipment.
• Document Service Center
• Responsible for printing needs, and forms that need to be printed. 

Department Professionals

• Director of Supply Chain Services
• Purchasing Manager
• Contracts Manager
• Contract Analyst
• Capital Equipment Buyer
• Business System Specialist
• Buyer
• Distribution Manager & Supervisor
• Distribution Tech

More information
You can also go to the Professional Information link to see what training is needed, the current job opportunities, salary ranges, etc.  You may also want to look at the national employment picture for these careers from the U.S.Department of Labor.