NHS Trusts are tasked with a cradle to grave’ responsibility for waste disposal, particularly waste segregation and correct processing. How does a Trust audit for compliance when using Sharpsmart containers?

Compliance, safety, efficiency, education and sustainability are the core needs of the NHS when managing healthcare waste. The Sharpsmart auditing methodology has been developed in consultation with Healthcare Managers and is by far the most comprehensive available. The Auditsmart Process includes the procedures for determining the following in relation to Sharps Management: • Whether sharps waste is being disposed of safely • Whether best techniques are being used to prevent the spread of infection/contamination during the patient procedure and the disposal process • Whether the sharps waste is being disposed of cost effectively • Whether the sharps waste being disposed of compliantly • Whether the sharps waste is being disposed of without damage the environment (in a sustainable manner) • Whether the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are being followed • Whether all staff are aware of the whereabouts of training tools and SOPs • Whether SOP’s are being reviewed regularly to ensure that best practices are being used Segregation and fi ll level is measured for all customers to ensure legislative compliance, to maximise the use of the containers, to ensure safe practices are being undertaken to protect staff and patients and to protect the environment by ensuring that waste is consigned correctly. This information is communicated to the customer in both PDF and hard copy formats on a monthly basis, which is then used by both parties, who then work together on ensuring continuous improvement and maximisation of fi ll within the containers. As the holder of waste transfer permits, our processes are regularly audited by environment agency inspectors and all our customers perform duty of care visits in line with their own duty of care. Sharpsmart’s compliance and auditing packages are widely recognised as the best in the UK; therefore we would be proud to provide copies of methodologies performed by our facilities or our own on-site customer excellence team.