Hospital Corporation of America, the nation's largest hospital chain, has joined Practice Greenhealth, an umbrella organization for healthcare providers who embrace eco-friendly practices.
"Our intention is to become a leader in environmental practices among healthcare companies," says Alan Yuspeh, senior vice president and chief ethics & compliance officer for Nashville-based HCA. He also serves as chair of HCA's Sustainability Steering Committee. "This signals HCA's commitment to have a comprehensive environmental strategy in concert with our mission of the care and improvement of human life."
Each HCA hospital will appoint a sustainability coordinator, who will lead this effort on behalf of his or her facility. As members of Practice Greenhealth, each HCA hospital will have access to resources and expertise. "We know that challenges lie ahead as we implement additional sustainable practices in our hospitals," Yuspeh says.
Bob Jarboe, executive director of Practice Greenhealth, says he is "thrilled" that HCA has joined his group. "We recognize the tremendous commitment this represents and look forward to working with the folks at HCA as they implement and expand their sustainable, eco-friendly practices throughout their system," he says.
Jarboe says 2009 may represent the tipping point for the sustainability movement in the healthcare sector, which has assumed a leadership role in the broader ecology of the planet.
"Historically, the healthcare sector has been one of the largest consumers of energy and water and generates tons of solid and medical waste," Jarboe says. "Practice Greenhealth members are turning the tide on this history, however, with growing evidence that greener facilities improve patient outcomes, decrease lengths of stay, and improve the health and performance of healthcare workers, while saving money and minimizing liability and compliance risks."
HCA facilities include 163 hospitals and 112 outpatient centers in 20 states and England. With the addition of HCA, Practice Greenhealth membership now exceeds 1,000 organizations. Members include individual hospitals, healthcare systems, and businesses in the healthcare sector.