Hospital Corporation of America, (HCA), which is composed of locally
managed healthcare facilities that include 163 hospitals and 112
outpatient centers in 20 states and England, has joined Practice
Greenhealth, the nation’s leading group for organizations in the
healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable,
eco‐friendly practices.
“Our intention is to become a leader in environmental practices among
healthcare companies,” said Alan Yuspeh, Senior Vice President and Chief
Ethics & Compliance Officer for HCA, who also serves as chair of the
HCA’s Sustainability Steering Committee. “This signals HCA’s commitment
to have a comprehensive environmental strategy in concert with our
mission of the care and improvement of human life. We know that
challenges lie ahead as we implement additional sustainable practices in
our hospitals. We look forward to our work with Practice Greenhealth and
are confident that our partnership with this innovative organization
will help us achieve the leadership role we seek.”
Each HCA hospital will appoint a sustainability coordinator who will
lead this effort on behalf of his or her facility. As members of
Practice Greenhealth, each HCA hospital will have access to a vast array
of tools, resources and expertise. The sharing of best practices is at
the heart of the value proposition for Practice Greenhealth.
The year 2009 may have been the tipping point for the sustainability
movement in healthcare as this community has assumed a role of
leadership in the broader ecology of the planet to act as a healing
force and change agent. “Historically, the healthcare sector has been
one of the largest consumers of energy and water and generates tons of
solid and medical waste. Practice Greenhealth members are turning the
tide on this history, however, with growing evidence that greener
facilities improve patient outcomes, decrease lengths of stay, and
improve the health and performance of healthcare workers, while saving
money and minimizing liability and compliance risks.” noted Bob Jarboe,
executive director of Practice Greenhealth.
“We are thrilled that HCA has joined” said Mr. Jarboe. “We recognize the
tremendous commitment this represents and look forward to working with
the folks at HCA as they implement and expand their sustainable,
eco‐friendly practices throughout their system. This is a very exciting
addition to our membership roster.”
With the addition of HCA, Practice Greenhealth membership now exceeds
1,000 organizations. Members include individual hospitals, healthcare
systems, businesses in the healthcare community and other like‐minded
stakeholders engaged in the greening of healthcare to improve the health
of patients, healthcare workers, and the environment.
Practice Greenhealth CONTACT:
Robert Jarboe
866‐598‐1540
HCA CONTACT:
Jeff Prescott
615‐344‐5708