The benefits of greener hospital ORs

Operating rooms produce large amounts of waste,
researchers say.

Researchers say that greener operating rooms can not only save hospitals money, but they can also reduce the environmental impact, while offering the same patient care.

Traditionally, operating rooms in hospitals have produced large amounts of waste and were responsible for 20-33% of all waste in hospitals.

Figures from 2007 showed that US health care facilities contributed 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions and produced more than 4 billion pounds of waste. Canadian hospitals were also huge energy consumers, using the energy of 440,000 homes.

The high levels of waste come from a need for sterility, the scientists say, but there are certain ways operating rooms can become greener:

• Waste separation: The waste should be divided into normal waste and biohazard or medical waste
• Liquid waste discharge: Installing a closed collection system into sanitary sewers would reduce the amount of waste needing high-energy treatment
• The right technology: Smart monitors can reduce energy use when the ORs are not being used.
• Advocating greener packaging: Plastic packaging is a major contributor to waste.
• Making donations: Giving unused equipment away to developing countries is a great way to be greener and less wasteful.
• Reusing devices: It is better to find alternatives to single-use devices.
• Involve the staff: Greening activities can be coordinated by staff team members.

The analysis was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal CMAJ.

Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal

Greener hospitals, better indoor air quality

Making hospitals and operating rooms a greener place not only helps the environment and hospital budgets, it can also be beneficial for patients – especially insofar as indoor air quality is concerned.

The air in many hospitals is polluted; apart from the obvious culprits like bacteria and viruses, there can be mold spores, chemicals, gases, odors, dust and particles, which can all have an impact on the health and well-being on patients and staff.

Electrocorp has developed a wide range of air cleaners for hospitals and healthcare settings that can tackle these types of indoor air contaminants and help provide cleaner and healthier air.

The air cleaners feature a multistage filtration system with a medical-grade HEPA filter, a deep-bed activated carbon filter for odors, chemicals and fumes and an optional UV lamp for additional protection from pathogens.

They can easily be moved from room to room, or they can be attached to existing HVAC systems or mounted on the walls or ceiling.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and options. Become a follower on our blog to get the latest industry and commercial news on indoor air quality concerns and solutions.