Whenever I was being put upon in ways like that "out there" ... I always used to
agree at first (much to everyone's surprise).
Only to quickly add:- just as long as get the extra staffing, budget ...
etc., etc.. "They" usually (always in fact) backed down (or rather quietly dropped the idea, in order to "save face").
Meanwhile, just what
do your Medical Supplies Department do, then? Apart from drink
chai that is.
Other approach could be to refer to your department's Policies and Procedures (agreed by Top Management, presumably) - and also that of Supplies. And also, if necessary, your own job description.
And (lastly), ask them what is to take priority:- fixing the kit (adding in a few nice examples, of course), or ordering the bed-sheets? In other words, just throw it all back at them.
