Driving Value Through Partnership: How UNC Health Rex and Brasseler Surgical Achieved System-Wide Cost Savings Without Compromising Care
In the increasingly complex and financially constrained healthcare environment, hospitals and health systems are under more pressure than ever to deliver high-quality care while managing rising operational costs. At the heart of navigating these competing priorities lies a fundamental strategy: collaboration. A recent initiative between UNC Health Rex Hospital and Brasseler Surgical illustrates how health systems can unlock significant financial savings while continuing to deliver exceptional care, all through the power of a thoughtful, strategic partnership.
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, UNC Health Rex Hospital—part of the UNC Health System—demonstrated how supply chain innovation and clinical collaboration can come together to produce tangible results. Partnering with Brasseler Surgical, a leading manufacturer of surgical instruments and orthopedic cutting accessories, the hospital embarked on a conversion initiative that delivered substantial cost savings while upholding its high standards for clinical performance.
A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Shared Goals
At the core of the initiative was a shared vision between UNC Health Rex and Brasseler Surgical: to reduce the financial burden on the health system without sacrificing quality of care or operational efficiency. This was not just a vendor transaction, but a collaborative effort that required careful planning, open dialogue, and active participation from stakeholders across clinical, surgical, and supply chain teams.
The initiative began when Avery Reale, Surgical Sales Specialist for North and South Carolina at Brasseler Surgical, began working closely with hospital leaders and staff to assess their current usage of orthopedic cutting accessories. This category of surgical tools includes a wide range of devices critical to orthopedic procedures, such as blades, burs, and saws—equipment where both precision and reliability are essential.
By conducting a thorough evaluation of UNC Health Rex’s inventory and clinical needs, the team identified opportunities to convert existing products to equivalent offerings from Brasseler Surgical. The goal was clear: to deliver a cost-effective alternative that would not compromise surgical quality or workflow efficiency.
Delivering Cost Savings Through Conversion
The transition to Brasseler Surgical’s line of orthopedic cutting accessories marked a pivotal step in the cost-saving journey. These products, known for their high quality and performance, provided a suitable and safe replacement for more expensive alternatives previously used at the hospital. Importantly, the conversion process was executed with input from surgeons, OR staff, and supply chain teams to ensure clinical buy-in and a seamless operational transition.
Not only did the Brasseler products meet UNC Health Rex’s rigorous clinical standards, but many of them are manufactured in Savannah, Georgia. This geographical proximity not only facilitated supply chain reliability but also aligned with UNC Health Rex’s commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing and regional economic development.
This aspect of the initiative served to strengthen ties between the health system and its supplier partner while underscoring a broader institutional value: supporting local economies and American-made medical products wherever possible.
Recognizing the Champions Behind the Success
No successful initiative is possible without champions on the ground who drive the project forward, overcome challenges, and build consensus. For UNC Health Rex Hospital, those champions were Dr. David McNabb, Orthopedic Surgeon, and Kelsie Ammons, BSN, RN, CNOR, Orthopedic and Anesthesia Service Coordinator.
Their leadership, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement earned them the 2024 Cost Savings Award from UNC Health Rex. The award recognized their instrumental roles in ensuring that the product conversion was executed effectively and that clinical teams remained engaged throughout the process.
Reflecting on the hospital’s broader mission, Ammons noted, “Rex wanted to show surgeons they care about cost savings and to bring ideas forward.” Her comment highlights a critical component of the hospital’s culture—empowering staff at all levels to contribute to operational excellence and financial stewardship. In this environment, cost savings are not simply the domain of the finance team; they are a shared responsibility that includes clinicians, nurses, and supply chain specialists alike.
Driving Broader Financial Impact Across the System
The cost savings generated through the Brasseler Surgical conversion have broader implications for UNC Health Rex and the UNC Health System at large. By reducing the costs associated with orthopedic cutting accessories, the hospital has freed up resources that can be reinvested into patient care, staff development, and innovation.
In a time when hospitals nationwide are grappling with financial headwinds—from labor shortages to inflationary pressures—initiatives like this offer a playbook for sustainable cost containment. Rather than resorting to across-the-board budget cuts, health systems can pursue smart, data-driven strategies that preserve quality and improve margins.
Moreover, these savings enable UNC Health Rex to invest in the very areas that strengthen long-term sustainability: advanced technologies, workforce development, and expanded access to care. In this sense, the value generated extends well beyond the bottom line—it supports the hospital’s mission to improve health for all.
A Blueprint for Replicable Success
While every healthcare organization has unique challenges, the UNC Rex-Brasseler Surgical initiative offers a model that can be adapted and replicated across other systems. The keys to success include:
- Engaging clinical leaders early: Dr. McNabb and Kelsie Ammons were central to ensuring that the conversion did not disrupt care quality or workflow. Their clinical insight lent credibility and confidence to the initiative.
- Partnering with a responsive and innovative vendor: Brasseler Surgical didn’t simply offer a product—they offered a solution. Their willingness to work closely with the hospital, understand its goals, and deliver high-quality alternatives was a major factor in the program’s success.
- Focusing on alignment and communication: Cost-saving initiatives often stall due to misalignment between clinical and operational priorities. By keeping all stakeholders involved and informed, UNC Health Rex was able to move forward with clarity and shared purpose.
- Celebrating wins and recognizing contributions: Recognition, such as the Cost Savings Award, helped reinforce the hospital’s culture of innovation and accountability.
