Cent Eur J Public Health 1998, 6(2):88-91
Management of healthcare waste in Romania
- Institute of Public Health, Bucharest, Romania
The existing situation in Romania regarding healthcare waste (HCW) management can be defined as uncontrolled. Knowing the situation is the first step in assessing risks associated with current practice, assessing alternative waste management options for the hospitals and defining the future hospital waste management needs. HCW management, as described in a study in 1995, is not based on a coherent strategy and deficiencies are identified at every stage of the system, from the collection to the disposal: no separate collection of hazardous waste, inappropriate methods of disposal, creating risks for the environment and human health. The main causes of the deficiencies in the system of HCW management are represented by the lack of legislation, technologies for disposal and information and training of the staff. In order to get accurate data regarding the production flow, quantity acid quality of the waste, the authors carried out during 1997 a HCW audit in five hospitals. It was verified the protocol for collection of data to be used at national level. Segregate collection of HCW in colour-coded package was followed by weighings during 48 hours. Average quantities in kg/occupied bed/day were calculated. Comparison was made between audit data and data reported by hospital managers. The description of the waste disposal methods specify the major technical problems and possible risks for the population and environment. A qualitative assessment of the staff opinion regarding current practices of HCW management was done in order to estimate the future difficulties in implementing new codes of practice. The positive attitude of the staff gives confidence in the success of future efforts to introduce changes. The article concludes that proper legislation and strategies for dealing with HCW will have to be developed and promoted. Training programmes of the personnel are essential for successful implementation of the actions.
Published: June 1, 1998 Show citation