Healthcare Professionals learn Hospital Fabric Selection Criteria

Dayle Laing presented “Greening Healthcare Fabrics” to an enthusiastic group of green team members and physicians at the EcoCare 2010 conference on October 19, 2010 in London, Ontario.

EcoCare 2010 - Understanding Our Impact...Creating Positive Change, is “the only conference in Canada to speak directly to the link between healthcare and the environment, and presents both practical and innovative ways to encourage and inspire ecological stewardship within the Canadian healthcare sector”.

Her main point was avoid chemical finishes where possible, to minimize toxic exposure to chemicals for immunocompromised patients and staff. She described her selection criteria based on the principles of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and explained the relevant third party certifications for textiles. Fabrics to avoid and more importantly, suggestions for what fabrics to use instead were made.

Dayle had the opportunity to travel to London the prior evening to join the conference and hear the keynote speech from the leader of the Green Party, Elizabeth May, who affirmed the importance of this conference and this direction for healthcare professionals.

Hospitals are leading the way for sustainability in all areas of their facility, with the understanding that green practices will save them money, streamline their operations as well as improve health and safety for staff and patients.