EcoCare: Revolutionizing Biohazard Waste Management at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Environmental Sustainability
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
Private Hospital
31 December 2024
Reduce biohazard waste bins used from 787 bins per month to 630 bins (20% reduction) by Dec 2023. The project significantly reduced biohazard waste and costs.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Environmental Sustainability, BioHazard Waste
About this Content
Aims
Reduce biohazard waste bins used from 787 bins per month to 630 bins (20% reduction) by Dec 2023.
Background
Biohazard waste disposal costs increased from $198,623 in 2019 to $489,712 in 2022, projected to reach $770,000 in 2023-2024 without intervention.
Methods
Lean Six-Sigma methodology identified key departments generating excessive waste. Optimized general waste bin placement, implemented staff training, and introduced visual aids for proper waste disposal.
Results
Reduced biohazard waste bins by 31% (exceeding the 20% target), cutting disposal costs by $238,700 annually. Improved staff awareness and compliance.
Conclusion
The project significantly reduced biohazard waste and costs. Future efforts will refine waste categorization and expand initiatives to other hospitals.
Lessons Learnt
Securing early buy-in from key stakeholders and consistent staff education are critical for hospital-wide sustainability initiatives.
Keywords
Biohazard Waste Disposal, Waste Bins, Reduction, Lean Six-Sigma, Gemba Walk, Cost Savings, Environmental Sustainability
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | Private Hospital |
Organization(s) Involved | IHH Healthcare |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Lim Eng Chong |
Project Member(s) | Huang Yuru |
Connect with this contributor!
Lim Eng Chong - engchong.lim@mountelizabeth.com.sg