A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is essential for a zero medical waste scheme in the NHS because it allows for a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the potential impacts of the scheme on public health. The NHS produces a significant amount of medical waste, which can pose a risk to public health and the environment if not managed properly. A zero medical waste scheme aims to reduce the amount of waste produced and ensure that any waste generated is managed safely and sustainably.
An HIA can help to identify the potential health impacts of the zero medical waste scheme, both positive and negative, and ensure that the scheme is designed and implemented in a way that maximizes health benefits while minimizing any potential harms. For example, an HIA can help identify populations that may be disproportionately affected by the scheme and ensure that their needs are taken into account.
In addition, an HIA can help to identify potential unintended consequences of the zero medical waste scheme, such as increased costs or reduced access to healthcare services and ensure that these issues are addressed in the design and implementation of the scheme.
The review will be based on a selection of studies and sources that explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a zero-waste approach in healthcare, including the impact on health, the environment, and the economy. The review also considers potential equity issues related to access to resources and healthcare services.
Overall, an HIA is an important tool for ensuring that the zero medical waste scheme in the NHS is designed and implemented in a way that maximizes health benefits while minimizing any potential harms.(NHS,2022).
Physical environment: By reducing environmental pollution and enhancing air and water quality, zero waste practices can benefit physical health outcomes. For instance, decreasing the amount of waste burned in healthcare facilities can help to lower air pollution and improve air quality, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly who may be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of air pollution on their health (Andrew et al. , 2022).
Social environment: Zero waste practices can encourage participation in the community, which can improve social ties and mental health outcomes. Community-based zero waste initiatives, for instance, can bring people together to work towards a common objective, fostering a sense of community connectedness and enhancing mental health outcomes (Massoud et al. , 2021) .
Economic environment: Zero waste practices can promote regional economic growth and create job opportunities, which can improve economic well-being and lessen health disparities. For instance, adopting zero waste practices in healthcare facilities can open employment opportunities in the waste management and recycling sectors, fostering economic growth and lowering health inequalities by giving marginalized groups access to jobs (WHO, 2023). On the other hand, by reducing the amount of medical waste generated, healthcare facilities can save on disposal costs, reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections, and minimize their environmental footprint.
Indirect health impacts of zero waste in healthcare refer to the potential effects of zero waste practices on broader social, economic, and environmental conditions that can indirectly affect health outcomes. Here are some examples:
Improved air and water quality: By reducing the amount of waste burned, zero waste practices can contribute to a reduction in air pollution, which can have serious health repercussions, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. In addition, proper waste disposal procedures can aid in avoiding water source contamination, which can have detrimental effects on health (Andrew et al., 2022).
Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Using zero waste techniques can aid in lowering greenhouse gas emissions, which can affect climate change. Increasing air pollution, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and the spread of infectious diseases are all consequences of climate change, which poses a serious threat to public health (Greater London Authority, 2020).
Better working conditions: Healthcare workers may gain from better working conditions linked to zero waste practices, like decreased exposure to dangerous chemicals and reduced risk of infection (Andrew et al., 2022).
Increased community involvement: Zero waste practices can foster participation in the community, which can improve outcomes in terms of social connectedness and mental health. In addition, community-based zero-waste initiatives can promote local economic growth and open doors for employment (Toronto Environmental Alliance, n.d.).
Zero waste practices can aid in lowering the amount of hazardous waste produced by healthcare facilities. This can lessen the chance that patients and healthcare workers will be exposed to potentially harmful substances, which could have serious consequences for their health (Department of Health, 2014). For instance, by reducing the use of single-use plastics (Andrew et al. , 2022)
Good waste management techniques can aid in halting the spread of infections in healthcare facilities. By implementing zero waste practices, healthcare facilities can make sure that waste is correctly segregated and disposed of, lowering the risk of infection transmission (Department of Health, 2014).
Implementing a zero medical waste policy can promote sustainable practices in healthcare facilities, which can have long-term health benefits by reducing the impact of healthcare operations on the environment.
Zero waste practices can aid in improving the air quality in and around healthcare facilities by reducing the amount of waste that is burned. For example, the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of air pollution on their health, this can have significant positive health effects (Greater London Authority, 2020).
It is essential to consider the impact on socioeconomic and equality groups, particularly those with limited financial resources who may have reduced access to reusable items, leading to increased exposure to harmful substances (Zero Waste International Association, n.d.) .
The benefits may not be equitable, particularly for low-income communities situated in areas with high levels of pollution, who may face a higher risk of negative health impacts(WHO,2021).
Implementation of a zero-waste project in healthcare may also affect demand for and access to health services. It could decrease demand for hospital or primary care services due to reduced health conditions associated with environmental improvements, while increasing demand for mental health services due to stress or anxiety related to waste management.
Once again, it is crucial to consider the impact on socioeconomic and equality groups, particularly low-income individuals with reduced access to health services and who may be more vulnerable to negative health impacts.
Scope
Time frame
The reasonable duration for his HIA of this magnitude is 6-12 months but for this assignment 3 weeks.
Geographic boundaries
The geographic boundaries of the assessment are NHS entities that implement a zero medical waste policy in UK.
Health effects or social determinants
Assessments should focus on the potential health impacts of policies, including physical health, mental health and social well-being. Assessments should also take into account the potential impact on equality of different population groups as those who live in highly polluted areas.
Financial and Human Resources:
A realistic estimate for an HIA of this size would be between £50,000 to £100,000 budget and 3-5 people. However, for this project, we will be a group of six students with time being our resource to deliver it.
Type of HIA
A rapid retrospective HIA focused is necessary given the timeframe and available resources. A quick HIA is a streamlined assessment that focuses on a specific issue and can be completed in a short period of time. However, new data gathering, and prospective studies should be done to validate our recommendations is essential.
Stakeholders in this assessment may include NHS staff, patients and their families, waste disposal workers, members of the community, and environmental groups. Stakeholders should be involved throughout the evaluation process, including scoping, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Greater London Authority,2020)