I could use some help from the well informed and well spoken. A local
hospital has been offered a relatively small amount of money (in the 5
figures) for a preferred supplier  contract with a formula company. The
hospital currently buys its formula retail and would continue to do so. The
local breastfeeding initiation rate is in excess of 95% and the rate of some
breastfeeding at 6 months is over 60%. Money is EXTREMELY tight locally and
the hospital has been told by the government to " go find alternate sources
of funding"  the agreement is similar to several others offered to the
hospital for other supplies. Administration needs a _clear_ and _concise_
argument on why to refuse this money. To their minds this will not impact
patient services and in truth patients will not notice any change. There is
no associated marketing. I have explained the close relationship between
brand used at the hospital and brand used in the community but they respond
that so little formula is used that this is irrelevant, especially as the
formula is kept out of sight...most families will leave the hospital without
knowing what brand the hospital uses.   The agreement does not limit the
hospital's use of specialty formula on the peds ward (the hospital buys
formula for both mat and peds and has done for some time).  They COULD use
the money to upgrade services. We need an argument that will apply over time
as it is clear that if this current hospital board refuses the money the
contract will simply be offered ...probably with extra money...next year.
The arguements that it raises formula prices don't work as they figure the
companies won't lower prices if  they refuse the company will simply retain
it as profits. Prices being determined by what the market will bear not
simply by profit margin.  Third world arguments don't wash. This needs to be
geared to accountants and senior admins. Any good ideas?

Thanks

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