Identifying Opportunities for Improving the Management of Waste within an Acute Hospital Using a Systems Analysis Approach

摘要

Minimisation and segregation are the key to introducing a sustainable waste management system for a hospital. Waste generation was analysed in a UK hospital using a structured systems analysis approach. The Data Flow Diagram from SSADM was developed into the Waste Flow Diagram and used to document waste generation and flows within the hospital. The diagrams identify which stream the waste is being placed in and together, with current literature regarding clinical waste definitions, interpretations and legislation, a list of specific recommendations for the hospital is proposed. The recommendations are all little or no cost options and are projected to make savings of over £28,000 in the first year. These savings will be made through thoughtful waste disposal supported by a media campaign to reinforce the importance of best practice.