Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco was awarded the 2014 “Partner for Change” Award by Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading health care membership community that empowers its members to increase their efficiencies and environmental stewardship while improving patient safety and care. It is the fifth time Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco has been recognized. The Award is one of Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards given each year to honor outstanding environmental achievements in thehealth care sector.
The Greenhealth “Partner for Change” Award recognizes Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco for continuously improving its environmental efforts with an almost 80 percent reduction in medical waste, and close to 5 percent decrease in water consumption and energy usage. In addition, the medical center is well on its way to reducing bottled water usage and packaging of all cafeteria food items.
“I am proud of the continued focus on reducing our carbon footprint,” said Martha Gilmore, Medical Group Administrator, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco. “Our multi–disciplinary team is passionate about improving the health of our environment for our patients, staff, physicians, and the community in the coming year and beyond.”
“I am pleased with the significant strides achieved over the last year,” said Gary Simms, Support Services Assistant Administrator. “I look forward to our team working to achieve even greater success in managing and reducing our energy usage.”
“The award is about more than just about reducing and recycling programs,” said Rachel McMullin, Senior Compliance Consultant. “The effects of improving the hospital can be felt by members, guests and staff. I am proud of the work we have done to keep the program moving forward, creating a greener environment for our members.”
The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards were presented June 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, at the CleanMed Conference & Exhibition, the premier national environmental conference for leaders in health care sustainability.