HISTORY

In 2002/3 separate initiatives were launched by two hospital coalitions: the Toronto Academic Health Science Council (TAHSC now TAHSN) and the Toronto East Network (TEN). These initiatives were undertaken as a means to redeploy funds into direct patient care by achieving economies of scale and reducing operating costs in the “back office”, including supply chain, accounts payable, HR/payroll, the GL and financial reporting.

In 2004, the TAHSN and TEN task forces realized they were duplicating activities, and in the spirit of establishing effective public public partnerships, they combined forces. They began detailed planning under the auspices of the Back Office Transformation Project, and in 2005 Hospital Business Services (HBS) was incorporated.

Over the course of the next year, representatives from the hospitals developed the governance structure and business model for HBS. Under a phased implementation plan, it was agreed that Phase 1 would focus on the supply chain function. Phase 2 will incorporate accounts payable, HR/payroll, the GL and financial reporting.

On April 1, 2006 HBS became operational as a shared service with 12 hospital owner/members (see Member Hospitals), funded by the members and the Ministry of Finance’s OntarioBuys program. At that time HBS also acquired Shared Healthcare Supply Services and Hospital Logistics Inc.

Effective November 22, 2006 Hospital Business Services became Plexxus. This name is based on the word plexus, which means a combination of interlaced parts; a network. We believe “Plexxus” is a perfect reflection of both the healthcare sector we serve, and the integrated solutions we provide.