1st August 2025

Meet Gerry Cummins – Stores Manager

The smooth delivery of patient care relies not only on clinical expertise but also on the dedication of many teams working behind the scenes. One of these teams is the stores department, a crucial part of the hospital’s operations that ensures every item needed for procedures and daily care is safe, available, and in the right place at the right time. From medical equipment to patient information leaflets, this team plays a key role in keeping the hospital running efficiently.

At Mater Private Network in Dublin, Stores Manager Gerry Cummins leads this team effort, overseeing the supply and distribution of essential materials that support patient care across the hospital.

Can you describe a typical day in your role as a stores manager? 

My working day begins early, as I need to be on-site to receive the first deliveries. The initial delivery each morning comes from our off-site warehouse, where the majority of our stock is held. Once received, the items are carefully checked and distributed to the relevant departments across the hospital.

Throughout the day, I am responsible for monitoring inventory levels, processing purchase orders, checking medical gases and chemical supplies, and responding to urgent clinical requests, particularly from the operating theatres.

The range of items managed by the department is extensive. These include, among many others, contrast dyes for diagnostic imaging, stents used in the catheterisation laboratory, gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as a wide selection of printed materials.

What is one part of your job most people do not realise happens behind the scenes?

One aspect of our role that some people may not be aware of is managing product recalls. If a supplier identifies an issue with a particular item, we are required to locate and remove all affected products and return them safely to the supplier.

Another lesser-known fact is that around 95% of our stock is stored off-site. This requires careful inventory management and coordination to ensure that hospital departments receive the supplies they need on time and without disruption.

In what ways does the store department collaborate with other departments to deliver patient care? 

We work closely with both clinical and non-clinical teams to ensure they have the equipment and materials they need to deliver high-quality care. For instance, when a product used in X-ray imaging became unavailable, we partnered with the radiology department to source a suitable alternative that met all clinical and safety requirements.

We also coordinate deliveries to our two day hospitals in North Co. Dublin (Northern Cross) and South Co. Dublin (Cherrywood). Where possible, we consolidate shipments to reduce the number of transport runs, improving efficiency while lowering our environmental impact.

In addition, we regularly collaborate with the quality and marketing teams to ensure the timely provision of patient information materials and other essential documentation.

How has the department evolved over the years with the adoption of new systems and technologies? 

The introduction of a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system across the network last year has transformed how we manage stock and place orders. We have moved from paper-based processes to a cloud-based system that allows for real-time updates and greater accuracy.

For example, colleagues in the theatre can now scan a product’s barcode before use to confirm that it is in date and safe. This automatically updates inventory levels, helping us track usage and reorder supplies as needed.

Clinically, this improves patient safety by ensuring that only approved, in-date products are used. Operationally, it streamlines stock management and supports compliance with EU regulations, including the requirement for unique device identification on all medical devices. It also allows us to trace exactly which products have been used for each patient, further strengthening quality and safety standards.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I find most rewarding is the variety and complexity of the role. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to improve how we work. We are constantly looking at ways to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and support the needs of the hospital.

Knowing that our work contributes to the delivery of safe and effective patient care is what makes the role meaningful. Although our department operates in the background, we are proud to play a part in the overall patient journey.

I also value the opportunity to work alongside a highly dedicated team and to collaborate with a wide range of departments across the hospital. There is a strong, shared commitment to supporting the delivery of excellent patient care, and it is rewarding to contribute to that collective effort.

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