Tools and resources

NorthShore University Health System: Mercury Policies (2016)

• Chemicals
• Mercury
• Exemplary Document
• NorthShore University HealthSystem
• Policy

It is the policy of NorthShore University Health System to prohibit all unnecessary acquisition of mercury-added products in its facilities and to ensure that all mercury containing equipment and waste is managed and disposed in a manner that is safe, protective of the environment, and compliant with all applicable regulations. The policy establishes guidelines for the procurement, use, and…

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North Suburban Medical Center: Fluid management in the OR

• Greening the Operating Room Case Study
• Case Study

NSMC staff struggled with the safe management of fluid waste in the operating room (OR). NSMC recently purchased the Stryker Neptune Fluid Management System for the hospital’s 6 ORs. The new system has not only addressed the safety concerns of the organization, but it has also reduced waste while meeting the needs of the OR doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists.

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Mobile Phones

Here are environmental considerations for purchasing mobile phones such as EPEAT certification. Cut and paste the copy in this document to develop RFP or contract language that suits your needs. U.S. Federal purchasers should use the model Federal contract language in preference to this language when referencing EPEAT.

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MetroWest Medical Center Natick and Framingham: Rigid sterilization containers for surgical instrumentation

• Greening the Operating Room Case Study
• Rigid Sterilization Containers
• Case Study

Metrowest Medical Center became interested in reusable sterilization containers when the manager of sterile processing department decreased use of disposable blue wrap as a cost-saving measure. Projections included a 5-year savings of $84,000 and a 10-year savings of $233,000.

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Metro Health Hospital's employee engagement

• Employees Case Study
• Employee engagement
• Case Study
• Metro Health
• Toolkit

(Employee engagement toolkit) At Metro Health, the commitment to sustainability goes beyond the innovative design features of the hospital. It’s evident in day-to-day business practices and ongoing strategies to conserve natural resources and promote a healthy environment. Over the past 10 years Metro has implemented numerous successful programs. Many of these programs in energy, waste and…

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Metro Health Hospital: Medical device reprocessing

• Metro Health
• Case Study
• Less Waste Case Study
• Medical Device Reprocessing
• Toolkit

(Less waste toolkit) This case study highlights how Practice Greenhealth member Metro Health hospital saved hundreds of thousands of dollars and tons of waste from going to the landfill through purchasing reprocessed devices.

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Mercury checklist

• Mercury
• Checklist
• Policy

Have you established a Facility Policy Statement (e.g. Pledge, Administrative Commitment Letter, etc.) for the virtual elimination of mercury?

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University of Minnesota study on reducing solid waste in surgical centers

• Greening the Operating Room
• Guide
• Exemplary Document
• Mayo Clinic
• Medical Plastic Recycling

With assistance from the EPA, the University of Minnesota conducted a study on reducing solid waste, including blue wrap, in surgical centers.

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Maryland Pesticide Network Sample RFP

• Chemicals
• Integrated pest management
• Exemplary Document
• Tool

While it is essential that hospitals maintain a clean environment free of pests, it is also important that patients, staff, and visitors be protected from exposure to pesticides. Pesticides are known to contribute to cancer, neurological disorders, problems with reproduction, birth defects, and liver and kidney damage. They also can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, can trigger respiratory…

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Managing pharmaceutical waste: A 10-step blueprint

• Waste
• Pharmaceutical Waste
• Guide
• Less Waste

The Healthcare Environmental Resource Center (HERC) and Practice Greenhealth recommend this 10-step approach to help you develop and implement a comprehensive pharmaceutical hazardous waste management program – one that combines regulatory compliance and best management practices with waste minimization – to safeguard human health and the environment, while minimizing risk in a cost-effective…

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