Sacred Heart Hospital (SHH) has a deep Franciscan commitment to environmental stewardship that consistently goes beyond basic state and federal regulatory waste management requirements. SHH devotes considerable resources to the Three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle):

Reduce

Medical Product Selection:  Since 2002, SHH has been a mercury-free hospital. It received the “Making Medicine Mercury Free” award from Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E) in 2002, the first year the award was given. SHH is also utilizing new products to minimize biohazardous waste. 

Light Bulb Energy Conservation:  SHH has replaced its lighting with high-efficiency light bulbs to provide greater illumination with less electricity. Old light bulbs are recycled after use.

Paper Consumption:  A paperless post-discharge electronic media record system is in process to replace paper records.

Faucets Refitted:  Reduction nozzles have been refitted on faucets to save energy and reduce water consumption.

Automated Sprinkler System:  A more efficient sprinkler system was installed to minimize evaporation and save water. 

Picture Archiving and Communication System:  Digital radiologic images reduce film study silver waste by 94 percent.

Water & Energy Consumption:  Staff and other Cafeteria patrons are encouraged not to use food trays to carry their meals during mealtimes, which reduces the water and energy consumption that would have been used to sanitize the trays.

“Green” Sterile Processing:  In 2006, SHH implemented a new Swiss disinfecting technology, at the time found nowhere else in the United States, that uses ultrasonic technology and a PH enzyme wash to lessen the bioburden. Later in 2008, the hospital’s Sterile Processing department began to sterilize equipment using phosphate-free solutions, thereby eliminating phosphates from entering the water.

Laundry Efficiency:  By combining laundry services of St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart Hospitals, and using energy efficient and green cleaning solutions to reduce energy use and lower the bioburden.

Reuse

Food Scraps for Animal Feed:  Since 2008, more than 25,000 pounds (more than 12 tons) of scrap produce has been donated to a local ranch for animal food. In addition to feeding the animals, the food scrap donation reduces SHH’s costs for sewage solids, sewer assessment and solid disposal waste removal. 

Extra Food Shared:  Each year, SHH donates more than 8,000 pounds of leftover food to the St. Francis Food Pantry. The hospital also provides Meals on Wheels food to homebound senior citizens and the disabled.

Used Equipment for Third World Countries:  Via the Hospital Sisters’ Mission Outreach, SHH has distributed over 8,400 items (weighing more than 11,5 tons) of medical equipment to needy hospitals and clinics in third world countries such as Mongolia, Ukraine and Haiti. Such equipment included beds, wheelchairs, exam lights, walkers, x-ray aprons, medical carts, surgical instruments, stretchers, linens and various other items. SHH leaders have a strong commitment and passion for knowing the ‘end of the line’ for all supplies the hospital purchases as well as the supplies the hospital donates.

Porcelain fixtures:  During construction or remodels of patient rooms, all porcelain fixtures, sinks, tiles and more are routinely donated to Hope Gospel Mission and Building Hope for resale to homeowners, builders and other organizations in need of materials. This reduces construction waste in landfills while helping those in need.

Eliminating Disposable Sharps:  In March 2008, a reusable Sharps system was introduced, eliminating the disposal of Sharps in a specialized hazardous waste stream.

Recycle

Medical Waste:  Chemical waste reclamation is the primary method of disposal for SHH, reducing the cost of purchasing additional reagents. SHH reclaims over 500 gallons of solvents annually. Through recycling, hazardous waste transportation and incineration is reduced by 50 percent.

Batteries:  Because batteries may contain toxic metals that could damage the environment, every SHH department recycles button batteries, lead-acid batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries. Employees are also encouraged to bring personal batteries from home for disposal.

Various Other Items:  SHH recycles a variety of other items, including surgical instruments, all paper after shredding, cardboard, glass, aluminum, other metals, computer components, other electronics, grease and oil.

Other Environmental Initiatives

“Green Team” Established:  A SHH “Green Team” committee was developed to facilitate the protection of the environment and natural resources in concert with the hospital’s tradition to respect creation and safeguard its people. The team’s goal is to assess past progress and current status and set best practice benchmark goals for progress in reducing, reusing and recycling for SHH and its campus.

Administrative Policy:  Environmental responsibility is guided by SHH’s administrative policy, including a Risk Management Program, a Hazardous Materials & Waste Management Program, Biohazardous & Hazardous Waste Disposal, Medical Waste & Reduction Plan and Environmental Tours to identify Potential Hazards & Risks.

Green Space Maintained:  The design, creation and maintenance of protected green space is a priority to SHH, including Healing Gardens and rooftop gardens for the enjoyment of patients, their loved ones and SHH staff.

“Buy Local” Food Initiative:  SHH dedicates 10% of the hospital’s $2 million food budget to purchase locally grown and produced fresh food for patients and Cafeteria patrons and Meals on Wheels. This commitment supports local farms and conserves energy by reducing fuel necessary for transporting food supplies from greater distances.  Articles of Incorporation were signed on March 15, 2009 at the hospital to formally create a local food organization called Producers & Buyers Co-op: Linking Local Farms and Institutions. A Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant to support the project was awarded last July, personally announced by Governor Jim Doyle at the hospital. Governor Doyle chose Eau Claire as the city to announce the statewide grants due to the innovative partnership between Sacred Heart Hospital, local farmers and River Country RC&D Council.

Tobacco-Free:  In 2006, the hospital and its campus became tobacco-free.

Carpooling Encouraged:  The human resources department launched a Ride Share program with a bulletin board to allow employees to post ride requests and ride offers.

Green Building Integrated:  Although the building is not LEED certified, SHH’s new Imaging Center project demonstrates proper stewardship of energy resources and a minimized impact to the environment. Two emergency power diesel generators that are highly fuel efficient and have pollution abatement features were also installed.