Premier said its new Computers and Electronics in HealthCare web site offers a solution to the challenge faced by hospitals to dispose of outdated or used devices safely without exposing toxic components of information technology waste, such as heavy metals including lead, mercury, and cadmium, chlorinated plastics used in cable wiring and brominated flame retardants.
The new platform offers specific purchasing strategies, including contractual guidelines for minimal toxicity of materials and vendor programs for take-back, leasing and upgrades.
The web-based resource was produced by Premier’s Safety Institute with assistance and support from Health Care Without Harm and the Computer Take Back Campaign. Charlotte Brody, purchasing workgroup coordinator for the Campaign, sees the resource as a natural extension of healthcare’s purpose: By adopting these purchasing guidelines, Premier is helping hospitals to fulfill their mission – protecting public health.
