RMH Receives 2019 Green Health Care Award for Top Performer in Waste Category
In recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship and greening its healthcare practices, Ross Memorial Hospital received this year’s Green Health Care Award for the Waste Category from the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care. The award was presented based on data submitted to the 2019 Green Hospital Scorecard (GHS) program, which rendered Ross Memorial Hospital the highest waste score of all participating hospitals within their peer group.
Ross Memorial Hospital measures waste diversion rates on a monthly basis and works toward yearly waste reduction and diversion goals. The Hospital’s waste management processes include:
- Using reusable sharps containers
- Diverting organics from waste receptacles in the cafeteria and kitchen
- Onsite vermiculture program
- The RMH Green Team that raises awareness for recycling, waste diversion and Earth Day initiatives
- Recycling electronic waste through a registered company
- Shredding and recycling all confidential waste
Since the pandemic began, RMH has also prioritized washable and reusable Personal Protective Equipment where possible, including washable gowns, caps and reprocessing goggles and face shields.
“We are so proud of our team, who prioritizes waste diversion whenever possible, through innovative and collaborative projects throughout our hospital,” says Veronica Nelson, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ross Memorial Hospital. “It’s an honour to be recognized as one of Canada’s leading healthcare organizations when it comes to green practices.”
The Green Hospital Scorecard is a comprehensive health care benchmarking tool that measures energy and water conservation, waste management and recycling, corporate commitment, and pollution prevention. Participating hospitals report on their environmental and sustainability initiatives through an online questionnaire and the resulting Scorecard summarizes their environmental performance relative to their peers. The award was presented by the Coalition's Executive Director Neil Ritchie, at the Coalition's virtual awards ceremony in December 2020.