Question 17.

Option C is the correct answer because shutting down the cafeteria is a low-impact decision that does not affect the hospital's ability to provide medical care. The cafeteria, while important for the comfort of patients, their families, and hospital staff, is not directly linked to critical operations like emergency services, ICU operations, or outpatient care. Relocating the storage unit to the cafeteria temporarily ensures that the hospital's inventory of medicines and supplies is close and easily accessible during the renovation of the primary storage unit. This decision allows KindCare to continue operating efficiently without disrupting critical medical services. Additionally, there are other food options available in the surrounding area, such as food joints and restaurants, making this a practical and effective solution.

Option A: This option is incorrect because reducing the capacity of emergency services would severely impact the hospital's ability to serve patients in need of urgent care. Emergency services are a core strength of KindCare and one of the main reasons it is highly regarded by the locals. Halving this capacity would not only compromise the hospital's reputation but also endanger lives by turning away patients who rely on these services. Renovating the storage unit part by part is a time-consuming approach that would delay the renovation, adding unnecessary operational challenges and prolonging disruption. This option poses significant risks and is less effective than relocating the storage unit.

Option B: This option is highly disruptive and impractical. Shutting down most of the hospital would significantly affect its ability to serve the community, especially since it is the only major hospital in the region. Many patients, particularly outpatients and those requiring ICU care, would face severe inconvenience or even harm. While running the emergency ward on outside supplies might be feasible, relying on external supply chains introduces delays and logistical complexities. This option would create unnecessary disruption and undermine the hospital’s primary role in the community, making it far less effective than Option C.

Option D: This option is less effective because relocating the storage unit to a rented space an hour away would introduce logistical delays and inefficiencies. In a hospital setting, timely access to medicines and auxiliary supplies is critical, particularly for the ICU and emergency services. A storage facility located far from the hospital would make it difficult to ensure adequate and timely supply, potentially jeopardizing patient care. While this option avoids shutting down any part of the hospital, it introduces operational risks that are unnecessary when a more practical alternative (relocating the storage unit to the cafeteria) is available.

Option E: This option is not a practical solution for the immediate problem at hand. Building a new storage facility is a long-term solution that would take months or even years to complete, during which the hospital would still need to address the urgent renovation of the existing storage unit. The immediate need is to ensure the hospital continues operating efficiently during the seven-day renovation period, and this option fails to address that requirement. While expanding storage capacity may be a good idea in the future, it is irrelevant to solving the current issue. Shutting down the cafeteria and temporarily relocating the storage unit ensures that KindCare can continue to operate efficiently without disrupting its critical services.

The cafeteria is a non-essential facility in the context of hospital operations, and its temporary closure would not impact the hospital's ability to provide medical care. Relocating the storage unit to the cafeteria keeps the inventory accessible and eliminates the logistical challenges of moving supplies to a distant location. Moreover, patients and their families can utilize the other food joints and restaurants that have developed around the hospital, minimizing the impact of the cafeteria's closure.