Hospital waste Management —- Tackling Trash as a Team.

Abstract

Clinical waste is a major source of infection amongst patients, hospital workers and the community. The Hospital Waste Management committee established in Dr. Ziauddin Hospital has active involvement of Nursing, Housekeeping and Infection Control departments. This multifaceted approach has brought about changes in the form of educational campaigns, involving training sessions and informational posters to improve awareness among hospital workers. This not only decreases the number of injuries and accidents occurring in relation to clinical waste disposal, but proper disposal of hazardous waste is beneficial for the community and the environment we live in. The first step is to target the areas which need the most attention and then to develop a tailor-made plan focusing on the major problems. Effective communication and teamwork help control the issue from all different angles and provide a pro-active approach to improve the waste management facilities of the hospital and serve the community as a whole.