Waste Management Practices of a Regional Hospital in Ghana: A Case Study
Ama Twumwaa Acheampong,
Mawuli Dzodzomenyo,
Anthony Godi,
Derick Carboo,
Edith Clarke,
Elvis Enowbeyang Tarkang
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, October 2015
Pages:
28-36
Received:
2 November 2015
Accepted:
15 December 2015
Published:
19 February 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20150103.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The Ministry of Health (MOH), Ghana has provided the policy and guidelines for the management of healthcare waste in health facilities. The focus of the study was to assess the compliance of a regional hospital to the provision made and also to evaluate and rate the practices using a modified Townend and Cheeseman Guidelines. This study was undertaken as a descriptive cross sectional study at the Regional Hospital of Greater Accra in Ghana. Critical observations were made of each department and ward for documentation of practices. Questionnaires based on MOH’s Policy and Guidelines were responded by health facility workers who handled day-to-day solid hospital waste. The number of respondents were proportional to the total number of healthcare workers found in each unit. Descriptive statistics were calculated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 software program. There were 300 respondents from the health facility. Health workers that knew about the existence of the MOH Policy and Guidelines on Healthcare waste management were 59.3%. Sixty one percent of the respondents had received training on proper management of hospital waste, and the rest, 39% were either new staff or had not received any training at all. Waste containers were available in varying shapes and colours with plastic linings. The very important persons (VIPs) ward, was the only unit that had their waste lining corresponding to the appropriate colour coded waste containers. . Waste handlers did not use complete personal protective equipment. Measured against the modified Townend and Cheeseman Guidelines checklist, from 0-4, the best achieved by the facility was 1, operating in an unsustainable manner, however there was some evidence of awareness and willingness to change. Majority of the healthcare facility workers had knowledge on appropriate ways of healthcare wastes (HCW) management but there was absence of compliance due to lack of materials and equipment and the enforcement by hospital authorities. There should be continuous education of hospital staff on the management of waste. Demonstrative programs need to be carried out for employees who handle waste directly to give an understanding of the risks and the importance of health and safety measures during handling and segregation.
Abstract: The Ministry of Health (MOH), Ghana has provided the policy and guidelines for the management of healthcare waste in health facilities. The focus of the study was to assess the compliance of a regional hospital to the provision made and also to evaluate and rate the practices using a modified Townend and Cheeseman Guidelines. This study was underta...
Show More
