Problems and Solutions to Increase Greening of the Health Care System

¶ … Greening of the Health Care System

The objective of this work in writing is to examine problems and solutions to increase greening of the health care system. Towards this end, this work examines and reports literature in this area of study.

It is reported that Pittsburg, PA was, in the 1940s a place coping with extreme pollution and was known as 'the Smoky City'. However in the 1940s leaders in the city met with architect Frank Lloyd Wright inquiring as to what might be done to improve the city. The leaders chose to change the environment "and stimulate new ways of thinking." (Board on Population Health, 2007, p.45) The businesses in Pittsburg were required to change from coal to gas and other fuels that were smokeless for heating and that begin "a significant green renaissance for Pittsburg and created was "a livable, diverse economic region, with one of the most highly regarded and sophisticated healthcare systems in the world." (Board on Population Health, 2007, p.45)

I. Greening of the Healthcare System in Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburg Medical Center created a comprehensive green healthcare system plan that consists of the following:

(1) construction of new high-performance buildings;

(2) Taking a leadership role in Western Pennsylvania in the education of families and schools about the effects of people on the environment and upon their own health;

(3) application and sharing of the scientific research the hospital pursues towards advancing the treatment of children;

(4) improvement of the training of medical residents in green health care; and (5) incorporation of given practices and treatment into the health care and the overall improvement of children, both in their homes and in their communities. (Board on Population Health, 2007, p.46)

The staff at UPMC are reported to have learned "how to develop, test, and implement strategies for the efficient conversion of heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems. They also gained understanding of other approaches to reduce consumption of natural resources. In their effort to reduce waste streams, the hospital focused on a multiple waste management approach through recycling" (Board on Population Health, 2007, p.47) In addition, it is reported that the staff at UPMC considered reducing vehicle pollution and stated is that the hospital envisioned will use 'hybrid or non-diesel parking shuttles and public transportation." (Board on Population Health, 2007, p. 48) Also included in the strategies are carpooling and alternative fuel vehicles as well as bike racks and showers being provisioned to staff and electric outlets for charging hybrid cars. Truck engines are to be turned off at loading docks when making deliveries. Patient rooms are now constructed from green materials and additional space added for patients and families to enjoy privacy and to maintain control over their environment. In addition, the hospital has plans for a rooftop-healing garden. (Board on Population Health, 2007, paraphrased)

II. VA Sierra Nevada's Green Health Care System

The mission stated for the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System "is to honor America's Veterans by provided exceptional health care that improves their health and well being. In order to accomplish this mission, the healthcare system realizes that it must operate in a manner that protects the environment and the safety of all patients, employees and visitors." (nd, p.1) The VA Sierra Nevada states that they are committed to management of resources in a manner that is "environmentally sensitive and sensible." (Reno VA, nd, p.1) The Green Environment Management System (GEMS) has been developed and is stated to include the following principles to ensure environmental compliance, water conservation, energy conservation, green purchasing, recycling, resource conservation, sustainable building, fleet management, fuel usage reduction and waste minimization:

(1) To implement directives and procedures specifically designed to prevent conditions that pose a threat to human health, safety, or the environment.

(2) To comply with applicable environmental and worker safety laws and regulations.

(3) To practice wise resource management by conserving limited resources, and reuse and recycle materials when possible.

(4) To consider the life cycle cost of materials and procure less hazardous or environmentally preferable and recycled content products.

(5) To look for opportunities to reduce pollution and risks by managing the types and quantities of materials we procure, store, handle, and ultimately dispose of. (Reno VA, nd, p.1)

III. Deloitte Reports on 'Going Green'

Deloitte reports that going green in a formal manner involves: (1) the supply chain; (2) education of staff; and (3) support of the effort. (2009, p.1) It is necessary, according to Deloitte to do the following when beginning a green health care system:

(1) Raising awareness within the health system about the importance of sustainability efforts to patients, employees, suppliers and the community as a whole

(2) Demonstrating the organization's commitment to sustainability efforts

(3) Providing a point person to gather effective corporate sustainability practices, network and share information and practical implementation lessons learned with other health systems and industry leaders

(4) Improving public relations by reporting how the health system is performing against greening metrics, including progress toward decreasing overall costs and improving performance against key health metrics such as overall levels of mercury, air quality and energy consumption

(5) Taking advantage of potential grants and programs to further the health system in expanding its green footprint. (Deloitte, 2009, p.2)

Programs that are available that the health care institution can participate in include those stated as follows:

(1) Energy efficient lighting solutions;

(2) Reprocessing single use devices;

(3) documenting management programs including recycled toner cartridges, documents on demand, and double-sided printing;

(3) recycling in common areas;

(4) utilizing recycled paper products; and (5) cardboard recycling. (Deloitte, 2009, p.5)

IV. Swanson: 'Greening Health Care Facilities'

The work of Swanson, CEO and Chairman of Anshen and Allen Architects, San Francisco, London, Seattle and Boston, reports