Evaluating the link between the management of clinical waste in the National Health Service (NHS) and the risk of the spread of infections: A case study of three hospitals in England.

This study aimed to evaluate waste management practices in three case study NHS Trusts in England and the potential risks of the spread of pathogens causing healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Using a combination of microbiological techniques, interviews and questionnaire surveys, four target microbes were studied, namely: meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), meticillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Waste Flow Diagrams (WFDs) were used to map the flow of the waste. While there was a perceived link between the management of the waste and the spread of the microbes by staff, none of the target organisms were isolated. The findings suggest that when the waste is properly contained and managed that it should not pose a significant risk in terms of the spread of the four bacteria tested in this study. In addition, the results demonstrate that there is a need for staff perceptions and beliefs to be addressed in the development of policies and training related to infection control and its link to waste management.

Safe management of wastes from healthcare activities

It provides advices and guidance on safe, efficient, sustainable, affordable and culturally acceptable methods for the treatment and disposal of health - care waste, both within and outside health-care establishments, with particular attention to basic processes and technologies. Document in pdf format; Acrobat Reader required.

Guidelines for safe disposal of unwanted pharmaceuticals in and after emergencies.

It provides advice on the implementation of safe disposal of unusable pharmaceuticals in emergencies and in countries in transition where official assistance and advice may not be available.