Ross Memorial Hospital Receives Green Health Care Award

AMANDA CARVALHO, Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Ross Memorial Hospital

KAWARTHA LAKES: In recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship and greening its healthcare practices, Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) 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 RMH the highest waste score of all participating hospitals within their peer group.

RMH 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; and an Onsite vermiculture program. The RMH Green Team raises awareness for: recycling, waste diversion and Earth Day initiatives; Recycling electronic waste, through a registered company; and 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,” said Veronica Nelson, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, RMH. “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 benchmark tool which 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 of 2020. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]