Annual Report 2004-2005 - Forensicare

Units of water consumed
2004/2005 2003/2004 Percentage Movement
Water consumed – KL 11,422 12,543 ↓8.9%
TRANSPORTATION
The use of vehicles and fuel was closely monitored during the year, and strategies are
being developed to reduce the use of fuel consumption. The purchase of a fuel-efficient
vehicle for the Forensicare vehicle fleet is one of the proposed initiatives. There was an
increase in both fuel consumption and kilometres travelled during the year, as a result
of the establishment of Care Plan Assessments Victoria (see page 35). This is a statewide
clinical outreach service that commenced operating in August 2004. Fuel consumption
and travelling for this service has not previously been included in Forensicare’s data.
2004/2005 2003/2004 Percentage Movement
Fuel consumption 54,003 44,431 ↑21.5%
Kilometres travelled 407,968 320,751 ↑27.2%
CLINICAL WASTE
The clinical waste generated across Forensicare is disposed of safely and securely in
accordance with guidelines established by the National Health and Medical Research
Council. The disposal of sharps is closely monitored by the Infection Control Committee.
Forensicare provides education on the correct use of vaccutainer blood collection and the
use of winged safety needles with retractable shields. Reusable sharp containers are used
within Forensicare to provide a safe system of disposal. The containers selected for use are
designed to prevent hands and fingers entering the main storage area of the container.
OTHER RECYCLING INITIATIVES
• Computers
A computer-recycling program was established during the year, and 60 computers were
recycled through Inforexchange and Com IT.
• Stationary Reuse
The Stationary Reuse Program, introduced in 2003-2004, has continued to reduce the
consumption of new stationary and the disposal of stationary items. Due to the success of
the program, an intranet-based notification and request form is being developed, which will
enable all staff to electronically post a message containing details of their unwanted,
useable stationery. When implemented, this initiative will further contribute to the reduction
of stationery, transport, waste and landfill costs.
• Mobile Phones
Under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, all damaged and unusable mobile phones
within Forensicare are recycled through collection points located within the community.
During 2004-2005, Forensicare recycled 15 mobile phones.
• Batteries
As part of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, planning has commenced on the
implementation of a battery recycling program. Discussions were held with an accredited
battery recycler, and during the coming year, bins will be located throughout Forensicare
to provide for the safe recycling of batteries.
• Future Initiates
During 2005-2006 Forensicare will complete proposals for the recycling of –
• Green waste
• Computer cabling
• Computer disks
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