[Reducing expenditure on infectious waste handling in the hemodialysis room]

Developing awareness of environmental protection issues and rising costs of medical treatment are causing all medical treatment centers to reduce expenditure on the processing of infectious hazardous wastes. This has become a major matter of policy in most hospitals. This project was undertaken because, in one unit, expenditure on infectious hazardous waste processing began to cost 50% of the hospital's entire monthly spending on such processing. A specialist team was established, which put into practice a monitoring plan and improvement measures. The results were as follows. First, with guidance, staff members realized the importance of reducing the quantity of infectious hazardous wastes. Second, infectious hazardous wastes were reduced by reducing the quantity, recycling, and not being wasteful. Third, following this effort, the hemodialysis room in question was able to save NT 2,786 dollars per month in expenditure on hygienic materials and waste handling fees of NT 5,597 dollars per month. A total of NT 100,596 dollars was saved for the whole year. Fourth, the whole improvement project target completion rate was 240% and the progress rate was 13.3%.