Reducing Pharmaceutical Waste: Challenges and Innovations at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital
Cameron Memorial Community Hospital streamlined pharmaceutical waste management through signage, training, and collaboration, cutting waste nearly in half and saving costs while boosting staff competencies and accountability.
Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola, Indiana, faced significant challenges managing pharmaceutical waste, from excessive disposal quantities to unclear waste segregation practices. With a budget-conscious approach and commitment to sustainability, the hospital implemented effective strategies to simplify and improve its waste management processes.
One of the primary issues was the hospital's classification as a large pharmaceutical waste generator, with over 1,200 pounds of waste annually. This designation came with higher fees and highlighted inefficiencies. A breakthrough occurred in 2021-2022, when the hospital partnered with the pharmacy and laboratory departments to identify key areas for improvement. One early success was reducing biohazard container use from 15 to 6, with further consolidation saving costs and streamlining workflows.
Signage played a critical role in the transformation. Clear, strategically placed labels helped staff identify appropriate waste streams, reducing errors. “It’s amazing what ends up in pharmaceutical waste bins—regular trash, specimen cups, even lunch leftovers,” said Darren Goff, executive director of hospitality services. By educating staff and emphasizing proper segregation, pharmaceutical waste was nearly halved to 656 pounds in 2022, keeping the hospital under the small generator threshold.
Training and accountability were equally vital. Staff participated in competency evaluations tied to annual and biannual assessments, reinforcing proper waste disposal practices. These evaluations not only ensured compliance but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement. “We want our frontline workers to feel informed and involved in decisions,” Goff noted.
Looking ahead, the hospital aims to explore alternative disposal companies and methods to further enhance sustainability. With plans extending to 2025, Cameron Royal is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to reduce costs and environmental impact.
This initiative not only improved pharmaceutical waste management but also inspired broader changes in departmental budgeting and accountability. “It’s about simplifying processes, saving money, and empowering our team to make informed decisions,” Goff concluded.
IDEA in Action: A Strategic Approach to Contamination Control
January 14th 2025Adopting IDEA—identify, define, explain, apply—streamlines contamination control. Infection control professionals can mitigate risks through prevention, intervention, and training, ensuring safer health care environments and reducing frequent contamination challenges.
Balancing Freedom and Safety: When Public Health Mandates Are Necessary
January 9th 2025Public health mandates, such as lockdowns, masking, and vaccination, balance liberty and safety, ensuring critical protections during pandemics like COVID-19 while fostering long-term survival through science.
Long-Term Chronicles: Infection Surveillance Guidance in Long-Term Care Facilities
January 8th 2025Antibiotic stewardship in long-term care facilities relies on McGeer and Loeb criteria to guide infection surveillance and appropriate prescribing, ensuring better outcomes for residents and reducing resistance.
Considering Avian Flu: World Health Organization Expert Warns Against Raw Milk
January 6th 2025Drinking raw milk poses risks of disease transmission, especially with H5N1 outbreaks. Expert Richard J. Webby, PhD, advises against raw cow or goat milk consumption due to its unpredictable and significant risks.
