News
How Recycling At Hollywood Private Hospital Is Helping Medical Research
Mar 08, 2021
When it comes to recycling and supporting medical research, Hollywood Private Hospital staff are taking charge.
In the past 12 months, staff raised a whopping $11,000 for the Hollywood Private Hospital Research Foundation by purchasing used batteries, phone chargers and other non-medical excess items.
Research Administration Officer Carolyn Konzewitsch said the aim of the research foundation is to improve the treatment and care of patients. The foundation raises funds to award grants in support of medical research.
“Research supported by the foundation includes cancer, orthopaedics, palliative care, lung disease and rehabilitation care,” Ms Konzewitsch said.
“Hollywood’s supply and catering departments are big supporters of our cause, identifying items within the hospital that can be recycled & sold, such as selling second-hand dishwashers.
Supply and Purchasing Manager Robin Archer said recycling did require strategic organisation, but on a large-scale campus, the benefits were huge.
“Items such as batteries have to be in peak efficiency for use in medical equipment and are replaced regularly,” Mr Archer said.
“We test the used batteries and those with less than 80 per cent charge are sent to an industrial recycling company for disposal.
“Batteries with more than 80 per cent charge are sold to staff at 10 cents each for household use”.
“All proceeds go to the research foundation.”
Catering Manager Peter Trusler said staff were encouraged to use plates, knives and forks in the cafeteria.
“However, if staff choose to use takeaway compostable containers they pay extra – with the proceeds going to the foundation,” Mr Trusler said.
“We send the used containers and catering department organic waste to a commercial composting facility.
“Staff are then able to purchase $10 bags of treated compost for their gardens.
“The money raised is donated to the research foundation.”
In 2020, the foundation provided $38,000 in grants for research into chemotherapy, asthma and hip and knee replacements.
“Donations large or small can make a real difference to hospital patients and the general community through advancements in medical care,” Ms Konzewitsch said.
To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/hollywoodprivatehospital
CAPS: Research Administration Officer Carolyn Konzewitsch, Catering Manager Peter Trusler and Supply and Purchasing Manager Robin Archer.