Case Studies Ontario Hospitals

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Case Studies- Ontario Hospitals
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Cambridge Memorial Hospital

• Background -232 bed community hospital
• - acute, ambulatory, LTC services
• Project Biomedical waste reduction
• Results - 1999- 21 reduction in volume of
  biomedical waste from 1998 s
• - 5K savings
• P2 method Improved operating practices -
  Training ?Floor Awareness talks

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Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital

• Background - 150 bed community hospital
• Project Improved management of halogenated
  anaesthetics
• Results 50 reduction in emissions to the
  atmosphere of 650,000 L of nitrous oxide and
  5,500 L of isoflurane vapour per year.
• P2 Method Equipment Modifications

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St. Marys General Hospital, Kitchener

• Background - 168 beds , -890 employees
• - situated in old residential area
• Project Chemical Use in Landscaping
• Zero Pesticide/ Herbicide Use on Hospital
  Grounds
• Results. Social benefit for patients, staff,
  community
• P2 Method Technological modification

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London Health Science-Pathology Dept

• Project On-site Solvent Recycling
• Results ? purchases of xylene ethanol
• - environmental benefit
• ethanol not discharged to sewer
• xylene not incinerated
• - 22.5 month payback on units
• P2 method Improved operating practices-
  management practices

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Hamilton Health Sciences Corp.

• Background - 4 hospitals -1160 beds
• - 8000 employees
• - largest provider of
  comprehensive health services in Ont
• Project - Energy Management Action Plan

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Hamilton Health Sciences Corp.

• Results

P2 Method Equipment Modifications
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Strong Memorial HospitalMercury Thermometer Use
Reduction
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NON-MERCURYTEMPERATURE DEVICES
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Other Mercury Reduction Activities

• Replace all mercury filled sphygmomanometers
• Use tungsten-filled GI tubing
• Replace all mercury in special stains lab
• Use low mercury fluorescent lamps
• Install energy efficient lighting
• Improve dental amalgam collection

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Tungsten-filled GI Tubing
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PVC Plastic

• Value Analysis Committee has not been satisfied
  with current choices alternatives for some
  products such as IV bags.
• Supply companies have been asked about PVC-free
  products and seem responsive
• Emphasis on supply side will drive changes
• Even so, there are ways to reduce PVC use

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Reduction Through Re-use

• FDA approval for third party re-certification for
  single use items effective date 8/200
• Multiple uses for formerly single use items
• Suppliers will sell back at 1/2 price.
• Will save about 300,000/ yr
• Exploring reusable sharps shelters. This may
  save 50,000 lbs. of plastic per year

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Chemical Reduction in Landscaping Practices
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Eliminating Chemical Use

• Meet with your current landscaping company
• Determine if the company has the ability and or
  willingness to eliminate chemical use.
• Discuss 1current chemical use, 2available
  environmental alternatives, 3commitment to
  reduction and/or elimination, 4costs, 5timelines,
  6infestations/disease prone areas.
• Research other landscaping companies if current
  company is unwilling to eliminate chemical use.

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Eliminating Chemical Use

• Ensure resources are allocated by Senior
  Management to begin.
• Educate staff about changes to the
  grounds-keeping practices (i.e. the grass may not
  be as green as it was before.)
• Set 5-year plan (dont do it all at once- )
• Utilize student resources in the development of
  your landscape, if possible.
• Keep lawn watered!

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Tips to Help Reduce Chemical Use

• Plants, trees, shrubs prone to pest infestations
  or disease should be promptly removed (when
  possible).
• Re-seeding, aerating, fertilizing, and regular
  watering of lawn areas helps with keeping lawn
  healthy.
• Alter the landscape so that it doesnt need
  intervention
• Use native plants/shrubs, drought resistant
  plants, shade tolerant plants, salt-tolerant
  plants, groundcovers