Safer needles work!
Safer needles that are mandated by EU Directive 2010/32/EU really make a difference. Sharps injuries are reduced, though there is now anecdotal evidence that the implementation of a new safety engineered needle […]
waste management
HSE evaluation of the efficacy of safer sharps devices
In what is claimed to be a systematic review and evaluation of the efficacy of ‘safer sharps devices’, HSE have recently published this work from HSL. Last updated: Saturday, February 25, 2012
NHS Isle of Wight drug waste reduction
Drug wastage across the NHS is a massive and costly problem that has a profound impact on environmental contamination and disposal practice. We have discussed the problem previously on the […]
Recycling operation halted by needle finds
A Fife recycling plant was brought to a standstill when a sharps bin was found on the picking line. Of course, that should not happen, and those involved are right to […]
Water conservation
There is substantial evidence to suggest that the majority of the UK will face drought conditions in the year ahead. Even though the water companies have at last done something about […]
One man’s trash is another man’s tumour
In what is little more than a bit of advertising flimflam appearing in Wyoming News, the title “One man’s trash is another man’s tumor” reads well and fits perfectly with […]
ICRC Clinical waste management guide
The International Committee of the Red Cross provides aid to those in need all across the world. This means operating in distant lands, with sometimes minimal resources delivered by road, […]
“Hazardous clinical waste stagnates at Saudi hospital”
“Large amounts of hazardous waste have been found dumped around King Fahd Hospital in Al-Hufof. The waste includes used syringes and IV solutions, according to local media reports. Last updated: […]
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C viruses among medical waste handlers
Belay Anagaw, Yitayal Shiferaw, Berhanu Anagaw, Yeshambel Belyhun, Woldearegay Erku, Fantahun Biadgelegn, Beyene Moges, Agersew Alemu, Feleke Moges & Andargachew Mulu. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C viruses among medical […]
Gotcha!
The illicit disposal of untreated clinical wastes from hospitals and clinics by insecure landfil or direct sale to scavengers and others involved in the recycling and recovery of items for re-use that […]
Complaints in Camden….again
Many UK cities now have the benefit of FixMyStreet to report problems to Local Authorities and other agencies concerning issues such as graffiti, waste management problems, fly tipping, noise, highways issues […]
Dumping of clinical wastes
After the news item concerning alleged dumping of clinical wastes in the River Yare in Norfolk, there is news of a much more serious incident in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Community-based Environmental […]
Hospitals dumping drugs down the drain?
It’s a serious issue and the evidence coming from properly conducted research shows that we need to address as a matter of some urgency the escape of pharmaceutical agents into […]
Bed space and waste container designs
The bed space is a crucial location. The area in the immediate surroundings of the patients’ bed, and the bed itself, are crucial to safety and efficiency yet design advances […]
Source segregation – getting the process right
Much is said about source segregation of waste from clinical areas. A sometimes apoplectic response can be expected when inappropriate general waste items are found in an orange or yellow clinical waste […]
This septic isle?
The River Yare has been the subject of many landscape paintings by the early 19th century Norwich School of artists. There are examples in the National Gallery of Art in Washington […]
Radiation risks
A load of construction debris set off radiation alarms at a waste station in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Somewhat bizarrely, investigation revealed a rare find – an antique medical kit containing four capsules […]
Healthcare and waste security
Several UK hospitals have been found to breach drug storage security requirements and no doubt after this expose all but the most laissez faire hospital managers will be checking on their […]
Hospital microbiologists face measures over outbreak
For many years now hospital patients had suffered an unacceptably high incidence of serious, sometimes fatal, hospital- or healthcare-associated infections. Only now have these been brought under some degree of […]
Namibia hospital struggles with ineffective incinerator
Twice a week, thick black smoke rises from Swakopmund’s MediClinic Cottage incinerator and if the wind is right, residents nearby get whiffs of incinerated medical waste floating into their yards and […]
No wonder it’s so bad
Clinical waste management in the clinical environment should be managed to an exemplary standard in order to maintain hygiene standards and eliminate the hazards associated with sharps and sharps injury. But is that […]
Cockroach infestation
In the period since Christmas, I have twice noted heavy and widespread cockroach infestation in and around the clinical waste storage area of large hospitals, and once more in the lean-to […]
Waste from funeral parlours
The volume of waste from funeral parlours will be considerable. Most of this will be liquid waste comprising blood and other body fluids plus embalming fluids collected during what is […]
The cost of sharps injury
The cost of a sharps injury can be great – at worst, transmission of a life-ending viral infection. However, it is important to look more generally at the cost of […]
Recycling with sponsorship
The beleaguered NHS wastes money with a passion but is nonetheless underfunded and chronically short of resources. Healthcare waste management reflects this, with much waste of material and cash resources […]
Difficult wastes
Now and again, there are difficult clinical waste items to dispose. Often causing some friction between producer and waste management company, these wastes may have unusual characteristics of a mixed […]
Shotts residents delighted after medical incinerator plans rejected by council
The local press report “Shotts residents delighted after medical incinerator plans rejected by council” but they, the Harthill Environmental Action Group, don’t look very pleased about it do they? Last updated: […]
No go for Shotts incinerator plan
After substantial delay, “North Lanarkshire Council’s decision to reject a planning application for a controversial medical waste treatment plant in Shotts could result in the loss of 120 jobs. “Last […]
US “Stop Stericycle” campaign spreads to Stericycle suppliers
It seems that the “Campaign to Stop Stericycle” (CSS) are still making life difficult for Stericycle in the US for their implied support of various abortion clinics. Simply by collecting clinical waste […]
Healthcare Waste Conference – May 2012, Las Vegas
A new Healthcare Waste Conference will take place on May 2 & 3, 2012 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas. The symposium will be devoted to the management of healthcare wastes and all the […]