Earlier this month, AMDR had the privilege of attending the 2011 CleanMed conference in Phoenix, AZ, sponsored by Stryker, Health Care Without Harm and Practice GreenHealth, among others. CleanMed brings together individuals from all over the nation who are devoted to improving sustainability efforts across the spectrum of healthcare. Participants are exposed to a plethora of sustainable options for healthcare systems through numerous training sessions, an exhibitor showcase, and awards ceremonies that recognize hospital and industry leaders who set the standard for sustainable practices.
In an effort to continue expanding our outreach efforts, AMDR’s President Dan Vukelich participated in a group panel presentation on the benefits of reprocessing with Lars Thording, Senior Director of Marketing and Public Affairs for Ascent, and José Cárdenas, Senior Policy Fellow with the American Nurses Association in the Center for Occupational Environmental Health. Among the topics discussed were the common myths of reprocessed devices, the steps to reprocessing an FDA-approved device, how a reprocessing program can promote savings and waste management in a hospital, and the steps to overcome common issues hospital staff face relating to the safety, efficacy, and ethics of implementing a reprocessing program. Dan also took a moment to recognize AMDR’s members for their service to ALL 14 US News and World Report Honor Roll Hospitals for 2010-2011, many of whom have been engaged in reprocessing since FDA started regulating the industry in 2000 and even before.
We also want to highlight an especially exciting moment at CleanMed for AMDR members Ascent and SterilMed. Both were recognized at the Practice GreenHealth Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony held the first evening as recipients of the the prestigious Champions for Change award. AMDR is extremely proud of all the hard work Ascent and SterilMed have poured into the reprocessing industry over the years and applaud them for another banner year helping hospitals divert millions of tons of waste from the landfills.
Many thanks to all the staff at this year’s CleanMed conference for their tireless efforts to bring our nation’s leaders in healthcare sustainability together for this wonderful event. We look forward to joining you next year in Denver, CO!
To learn more about CleanMed and how you can participate in next year’s festivities, please visit their website at www.cleanmed.org.
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