Healthcare Sustainability - Update in the National Standards
The National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards are a crucial framework for all public and private healthcare facilities and services. There are now eight (8) NSQHS Standards that cover high-prevalence adverse events, preventing and controlling infections, medication safety, comprehensive care, clinical communication, preventing and managing pressure injuries, preventing falls, and responding to clinical deterioration.
In November 2023, the Commission released the new draft module on Environmentally Sustainable and Climate Resilience Healthcare Module (the Module), which seeks health services and facilities to “…include sustainability measures and targets when setting priorities and strategies for their services, and when partnering with consumers and First Nations people to design, monitor and evaluate services”.
Australia's ambitious Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, is a collective effort. Healthcare facilities, as significant contributors to the national greenhouse gas emissions, play a crucial role in this commitment.
Australia’s healthcare sector produces over 5-7% of national greenhouse gas emissions. The delivery of healthcare contributes to changes in the global climate through practices such as:
Unnecessary or even harmful tests, procedures or interventions
Unnecessary use of resources
Poor waste management
Uncontrolled procurement of products
Unnecessary travel
Unmanaged energy and water use
Inadequate, poorly implemented and integrated or delivered public health and preventative health
Poor use and management of medicines, devices and materials
Ineffective design and management of facilities.
Due to the nature of healthcare, hospitals use significant amounts of energy and water and generate large volumes of waste. Given their role in delivering health services to the community, hospitals are expected to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to improving the natural and built environments.
Healthcare sustainability is a growing area, and waste management is one part of this. The goal is to improve the overall global footprint and reduce the impact of climate change.
Waste audit reviews current practices and provides a pathway to significant improvements by identifying areas for waste volume reduction and recognising opportunities for better waste management. Helping healthcare services and facilities enhance their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and overall waste management program to reduce their carbon footprint.
Reach out today for more information at Info@BridgesSustainability.com.au