The management of hazardous waste by the country’s biggest ambulance service is entirely deficient, according to an audit undertaken following complaints from two members of staff. The external audit found healthcare risk waste generated by Dublin Fire Brigade’s ambulance service is not being properly separated from general waste, is not secured, tagged, tracked or stocked once it is generated. Management of hazardous healthcare risk waste is an integral part of infection control. Dublin Fire Brigade operates an emergency ambulance service with the National Ambulance Service in the greater Dublin area. Among the findings of the audit were:Healthcare risk waste (HCRW) was not secure from interference by unauthorised personnel.

Source: Irish Examiner February 09, 2021 06:22 UTC