Anibiotics in the environment
We have discussed on the Clinical Waste Discussion Forum, over many years, the problem of drug residues in the environment. It is an issue in which we stand very much […]
clinical waste discussion forum
Wastewater pharma contamination promotes antibiotic resistant bacteria
ScienceDaily reports that large quantities of antibiotic-resistant bacteria enter the environment via municipal – and especially hospital – wastewater streams. Although wastewater treatment plants reduce the total number of bacteria, the most hazardous […]
Assisted and clinical waste collections, Cornwall
The information available on local authority web pages creates an essential method of communicating waste-related news to residents and others. A recent update by Cornwall Council (http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=30535) discusses assisted and […]
Antibiotic exposure and environmental contamination
The head of the World Health Organisation has recently warned about antibiotic resistance caused by prodigal use of drugs on factory farms: “Greater quantities of antibiotics are used in healthy animals […]
Greener healthcare
Healthcare is becoming more green, slowly, sometimes very slowly, but there are improvements. Some measures are clearly valuable and worthwhile. Others perhaps less so though if it sends a positive […]
Medical waste spillage on Australian road
A TV news report concerning clinical (medical) waste items strewn across a section of grassed roadside in Australia makes interesting listening. Last updated: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Couch rolls
I had the misfortune of a hospital appointment yesterday, for a series of tests that too place in a modest sized room equipped with an examination couch and a whole […]
Recycling unwanted medicines
There are several ways to reduce the NHS expenditure associated with unwanted prescriptions. Control of prescribing, and the uncontrolled issue of repeat prescriptions, are perhaps the most appropriate control measures though […]
Clinical wastes in the community
Clinical wastes in the community take two forms, discarded drug litter and waste from individuals receiving usually long-term care in their own home. Management of those wastes is generally the […]
How to dispose of babies?
Sadly, many babies are stillborn or die at or shortly after birth. Worldwide, abortion including late abortion is a common therapeutic and/or ‘social’ procedure, the remains of which must be disposed […]
Southend Hospital is ‘landfill waste free’
It’s a bold claim, but one that is not implausible and certainly to be applauded. Southend Hospital is celebrating becoming 100% landfill free with its waste. Last updated: Saturday, March 3, 2012
But is it art?
It is reported that Pete Doherty has used his own blood for artworks at an exhibition. Artwork that has been painted using the musician Pete Doherty’s blood has gone on display […]
Sharps injuries: European Biosafety Summit, London 2012
The European Biosafety Network and UNISON would like to invite you to attend the European Biosafety Summit in London on Friday 1 June 2012. The Summit is a one day […]
Remains of 9/11 victims went to landfill
Remains of some victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US were taken to a landfill site, a Pentagon report has found. “Several portions of remains” found at […]
Medicines wastage
The prescribing of unnecessary and unwanted medicines places a substantial and unwelcome pressure of healthcare costs, stockpiles drugs in bathroom cabinets that increases the risk of self-harm or accidental poisoning, and bears […]
What is the CO2 footprint of your waste management operation?
What is the CO2 footprint of your waste management operation? Ir is an important question, for all our sakes, and must be considered by waste producers, operators, planners and regulators alike. […]
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 […]
Safer needles – NHS trusts ‘ignoring’ EU safety directive
The deadline for mandatory implementation of EU Directive 2010/32/EU is drawing ever closer. As yet, many NHS Trusts are dragging their heels, perhaps awaiting reduced prices as the most popular product […]
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 […]
Gloves come in pairs. Wear both of them!
“A worker at Dunedin’s recycling plant is facing a nervous six-month wait for blood test results after being pricked by a discarded syringe. “The incident happened as the woman worked at […]
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 […]