Evaluation of collection, transfer and disposal of hospital solids waste in Birjand (2008)

Hospital solid wastes compose important amounts of municipal solid wastes. These materials contain pathogenic and hazardous agents that threaten the health of patients, staff and many other persons. This study was done to determine the quality of collection, transfer and disposal of hospital solid wastes in Birjand. A descriptive study carried out in all hospitals of Khorasan-e-Jonoobi province during the year 2008; the study included 2 governmental and 1 Tamin-e-ejtemaii hospitals. Data were gathered via a questionnaire and a revised observational form (check list) in six parts, which their validity and reliability have already been confIrmed. Each datum was allocated a number. In terms of the marks and ranking by a Likert scale (excellent, desirable, relatively desirable, weak), data were statistically analyzed in P≤0.05. Vali-e-Asr hospital had 200 beds or 54.7% (the most) and 54% of work force but Imam Reza hospital had 53.7% of operating rooms. The total sum up of the scores gained through the revision forms showed that regarding collection, transfer, storage and disposal of the wastes, Vali-e- Asr was the excellent one and the 2 other ones i.e. Imam Reza and Tamin-e- ejtemaii were desirable. In terms of radio active wastes, Imam Reza and Vali-e-Asr hospitals were similarly excellent but Tamin-e-ejtemaii hospital stood in a desirable position. Collection, transfer and disposal of hospital solid wastes in Birjand was desirable. It is recommended to segregate the wastes at source and to burn the hazardous parts, then bury them with other wastes. It is necessary to consider an appropriate technology and management and a statutory supervision on a safe waste handling process, especially in heath centers other than hospitals.