Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Poor clinical waste management and its effect on the environment is an increasingly recognised concern for global healthcare systems. Approximately two thirds of waste produced in healthcare is from the operating theatre. In the Republic of Ireland, an estimated 580,977 tonnes of hazardous waste was produced in 2019. The cost of incineration of this hazardous waste is approximately €2,125 per tonne and €935 per tonne for sterilisation. Pollution from incineration is substantial and harmful.
METHODS: A literature review was performed on the topic of hospital waste management, specifically looking at the Republic of Ireland. A comparison could then be drawn between Ireland, Europe and the United States of America. Observation of our current operating theatre environment and practices were carried out.
CONCLUSIONS: An increased focus towards sustainability and reusable equipment means that there is potentially a decreased amount of waste for disposal, but an increase in the process of sterilisation. Approximately 66% of healthcare related waste is inappropriately contaminated, meaning that significant savings are possible if correct segregation and recycling were to occur. An increase in the amount of bins, identification labels above bins and education of staff results in an increased likelihood of successful segregation of waste. Clear and concise hospital guidelines of what is considered hazardous versus non-hazardous waste will decrease the amount of inappropriately disposed items.
METHODS: A literature review was performed on the topic of hospital waste management, specifically looking at the Republic of Ireland. A comparison could then be drawn between Ireland, Europe and the United States of America. Observation of our current operating theatre environment and practices were carried out.
CONCLUSIONS: An increased focus towards sustainability and reusable equipment means that there is potentially a decreased amount of waste for disposal, but an increase in the process of sterilisation. Approximately 66% of healthcare related waste is inappropriately contaminated, meaning that significant savings are possible if correct segregation and recycling were to occur. An increase in the amount of bins, identification labels above bins and education of staff results in an increased likelihood of successful segregation of waste. Clear and concise hospital guidelines of what is considered hazardous versus non-hazardous waste will decrease the amount of inappropriately disposed items.
摘要：
背景：不良的临床废物管理及其对环境的影响越来越受到全球医疗保健系统的关注。医疗保健中产生的大约三分之二的废物来自手术室。在爱尔兰共和国,2019年估计产生了580,977吨危险废物。这种危险废物的焚烧成本约为每吨2,125欧元，每吨935欧元用于消毒。焚烧造成的污染是巨大而有害的。
方法：对医院废物管理进行了文献综述，特别是在爱尔兰共和国。然后可以在爱尔兰之间进行比较，欧洲和美利坚合众国。对我们当前的手术室环境和实践进行了观察。
结论：对可持续性和可重复使用设备的日益关注意味着处置废物的数量可能会减少，而是灭菌过程的增加。大约66％的医疗保健相关废物受到不适当的污染。这意味着如果要进行正确的分离和回收，则可以节省大量资金。垃圾箱数量的增加，垃圾箱上方的识别标签和对工作人员的教育导致废物成功隔离的可能性增加。关于危险废物和非危险废物的清晰简洁的医院指南将减少不当处置物品的数量。
方法：对医院废物管理进行了文献综述，特别是在爱尔兰共和国。然后可以在爱尔兰之间进行比较，欧洲和美利坚合众国。对我们当前的手术室环境和实践进行了观察。
结论：对可持续性和可重复使用设备的日益关注意味着处置废物的数量可能会减少，而是灭菌过程的增加。大约66％的医疗保健相关废物受到不适当的污染。这意味着如果要进行正确的分离和回收，则可以节省大量资金。垃圾箱数量的增加，垃圾箱上方的识别标签和对工作人员的教育导致废物成功隔离的可能性增加。关于危险废物和非危险废物的清晰简洁的医院指南将减少不当处置物品的数量。
