SUSTAINABILITY
6 8% 16 22% HOSPITALS
70% 52
n Southern Africa n Switzerland n UAE Distribution of hospitals that form part of Mediclinic International.
failing water infrastructure, there have been increasing incidences of water failing to meet national drinking water standards over the past 10 years. The solution was developed by another ISO certified hospital that was constantly exposed to water quality failures. The solution ensures that safe drinking water is supplied to the hospital while it’s water system, including all piping and storage tanks, are treated so that the contaminated water can be re-used and is not wasted. Infrastructure water backup storage capacity increased – verified water consumption data have shown that the water backup storage capacity varies between hospitals from four to 36 hours. An ideal water backup storage capacity of 690 litres per licensed bed for 36 hours was set to run an efficient water contingency plan. However, it was determined that due to space and load bearing structure constraints, this was not possible. The next step was to look at the legal compliance requirements for new hospitals and a target of 450 litres per licensed bed for 24 hours was then set. With recent water failures, the target of 450 litres per licensed bed for 24 hours has been shown to be sufficient to ensure an effective water contingency plan beyond 24 hours. The backup water storage capacity for each hospital was increased to meet this requirement. High priority hospitals identified for
borehole allocation – it was determined that due to the logistics and management of the water contingency plan in large hospitals with a high bed occupancy rate, they were not able to sustain a constant
40% 32% 17% 7% 4% 74
1677 16%
10,486 BEDS
29% 77% 8095 9402
714 7%
6375 19%
EMPLOYEES
32,625 52% 16,848
Other
(pathology, irrigation housekeeping etc)
Estimated water usage in Mediclinic hospitals.
water supply over more than seven days without this impacting on their normal operation. These hospitals were identified for borehole allocation. Borehole utilisation procedure
compiled – boreholes need only to be used under normal conditions for 10 minutes per week to ensure functionality of the equipment and under emergency conditions to refill backup water tanks if there is no water supply from the local authority. Boreholes may not be used to supplement the water supply of the hospital under normal conditions. Water quality testing procedure
compiled – a standardised water quality procedure for all 53 hospitals was set. By standardising the procedure, correct testing elements, cost allocation and interpretation of results have been ensured.
Human behaviour is the most effective, but also the most neglected element when it comes to ensuring water sustainability in hospitals
IFHE DIGEST 2018
Change of human behaviour and leadership – human behaviour is the most effective, but also the most neglected element when it comes to ensuring water sustainability in hospitals. By implementing the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, Mediclinic Southern Africa has an effective system in place to ensure that human behaviour is constantly influenced and to ensure the most effective outcomes. Verified data at ISO certified hospitals have shown a reduction of up to 67 per cent in water consumption by changing human behaviour alone.
Conclusion With the ISO 14001:2015 standard, there is a major focus on leadership and the management of the system by hospital management. Mediclinic Southern Africa believes that this will have a positive impact and will further improve water sustainability in hospitals in the future. The one element that no hospital can function without is water. We cannot generate water, but we can learn to use it more effectively and wisely. Adapting to using less water is the future for Southern Africa.
Patients
Laundry
Kitchen
Autoclave (water recycled)
IFHE 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
