VAN NUYS, Calif. — Valley Presbyterian Hospital recently announced its continued commitment to air and water quality standards by diminishing its environmental impact through sustainability programs.
In 2010, the hospital established the following programs to reduce its carbon footprint:
Established a Green Team – VPH staffers volunteer their time towards the promotion of Green initiatives, including:
“Green Tip of the Week” – In April 2010, the Green Team premiered a weekly cost-effective and practical “Green Tip,” which is posted on the hospital intranet.
During National Hospital Week in May 2010, VPH provided the staff with a reusable coffee mug and a reusable shopping bag.
The Green Team began working with different Nursing departments and created a Bed Making procedure that was implemented in June 2010. This initiative assists staff to provide each patient with the appropriate bed linen dressing for their needs so as to minimize unnecessary utilization of linen and associated laundering.
Electronic Waste Disposal Drive – In August 2010, the Green Team at VPH organized a community-wide e-waste disposal onsite in its front parking lot.
Blankets for Animal Shelter – The Green Team recycled used and old blankets by donating the items to the local animal shelter in December 2010.
Reusable Sharps Containers – Valley Presbyterian Hospital transitioned to reusable containers for all of its used sharps.
With the Sharps Management Service using Bio Systems reusable containers by Stericycle, this year the hospital anticipates diverting 25,633 pounds of carbon by not sending 44,045 pounds of plastic and 1,745 pounds of cardboard to local landfills. The CO2 diverted is equivalent to not burning 1,320 gallons of gasoline and 485 propane tanks for home barbecues.
Valley Presbyterian Hospital’s partnership with Stericycle’s Sharps Management Service has kept thousands of disposable containers out of landfills. Each reusable container saves the equivalent of 600 disposable containers from going to landfills.
Reusable Pharmaceutical Containers – VPH has also implemented a reusable pharmaceutical waste container program. The process can be complex and, ultimately, affects the nation’s water supply if unused drugs are not disposed properly. Since VPH implemented this program, it has kept thousands of disposable containers out of landfills. Stericycle services meet compliance standards of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), DOT (Department of Transportation), and other regulators.
Other Recycling Efforts Implemented at VPH, include utilization of recycled and unbleached bathroom paper towels, ink cartridge recycling, cardboard recycling and paper recycling.
This year, the hospital is looking forward to implementing recycling stations. These stations will be designated for paper, plastic, and glass recycling, which will be located in public areas throughout the hospital campus.
“By making small changes to become a more sustainable and environmentally focused hospital, Valley Presbyterian Hospital has been able to reduce related costs to stay competitive and reinvest these savings in more healthcare programs that benefit our community,” said Gayathri Jith, VP of Operations at Valley Presbyterian Hospital.
About Valley Presbyterian Hospital
Founded in 1958, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, a non-profit and nonsectarian hospital, has remained focused on meeting the medical needs of the community for over 50 years. While VPH has grown to become one of the largest acute care hospitals in the San Fernando Valley, it continues to provide patient-centered care for a healthier community. The 350-bed facility offers leading-edge technology and a full range of medical services. With 500 physicians representing virtually every specialty and most sub-specialties, VPH provides the latest state-of-the-art treatments to improve and save lives. For more information, visit www.valleypres.org.
