30 July 2009 - Press Release

An international perspective on healthcare waste and pandemic planning

Ever more stringent legislation, rising costs and increasing hazards are some of the challenges facing professionals involved in healthcare waste management around the world. These and other key issues will be the subject of a major International Healthcare Waste Symposium this autumn, organised jointly by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Healthcare Waste & Resources Research Group (HCWRR) at the University of Northampton.

Entitled 'Improving knowledge: sharing experiences', the two-day event will take place at the Royal College of Physicians in London on 24-25th September 2009, and the objective is to enable the sharing of best practice related to the management of healthcare waste and public health and to provide networking opportunities for individuals working in the field globally.

A range of international experts will cover topics including biohazards, pandemic planning, pharmaceutical waste, finance and waste minimisation. In light of recent global events, the second day will now include a session entitled 'The implications of managing waste from healthcare facilities in a swine flu pandemic' and another exploring more general issues surrounding planning for biohazards and pandemic outbreaks. In addition to the conference programme, there will also be a limited number of site visits to waste management facilities.

The keynote speaker this year is Mr Raki Zghondi, Urban Health and Environment Advisor in the regional centre CEHA of the WHO regional office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Mr Zghondi has responsibility for the management of healthcare and hazardous waste, as well as assessing the environmental health impacts of development interventions and policies.

The event, which is sponsored by Sharpsmart, is aimed at waste management practitioners, infection prevention and control managers, policy makers, academics and researchers and facility/estates managers and anyone else involved in the management of healthcare waste and public health. For booking and programme details contact carrie.hill@ciwm.co.uk or visit www.ciwm.co.uk/events

ENDS

A limited number of press passes are available for this event and can be booked by contacting carrie.hill@ciwm.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

2. The Healthcare Waste and Resources Research (HCWRR) Group is hosted by the University of Northampton. It is a UK-wide network of stakeholders working in the field of healthcare waste management from the National Health Service (NHS), industry, Government, academia and consultancies. For further information about the Group email Dr Terry Tudor at terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk or healthcarewaste@northampton.ac.uk

Contacts:
Pat Jennings
CIWM Communications Advisor
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk