NASHVILLE, TN – The Hospital Corporation of America has joined Practice Greenhealth, a group of organizations in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
HCA is composed of locally managed healthcare facilities that include 163 hospitals and 112 outpatient centers in 20 states and Great Britain.
"Our intention is to become a leader in environmental practices among healthcare companies," said Alan Yuspeh, senior vice president and chief ethics and compliance officer for the HCA.
Yuspeh said the relationship with Practice Greenhealth signals the HCA's commitment to a comprehensive environmental strategy. He acknowledged that there would be challenges as individual hospitals implement sustainable practices.
Each HCA hospital will appoint a sustainability coordinator. As members of Practice Greenhealth, each HCA hospital will be able to share sustainability best practices with other members.
Bob Jarboe, executive director of Practice Greenhealth, said this year might be the "tipping point" for the sustainability movement in healthcare.
"Historically, the healthcare sector has been one of the largest consumers of energy and water and generates tons of solid and medical waste," he said. He said there is growing evidence that greener facilities improve patient outcomes, decrease lengths of stay and improve the health and performance of healthcare workers.
Jarboe also noted that sustainability practices could help hospitals save money as well as minimizing liability and compliance risks.
"We are thrilled that HCA has joined," he said. "We recognize the tremendous commitment this represents. This is a very exciting addition to our membership roster."
With the addition of the HCA, Practice Greenhealth membership now exceeds 1,000 organizations. Members include individual hospitals, healthcare systems, businesses in the healthcare community and other stakeholders.
