PROBLEMS OF MEDICAL WASTE LOGISTICS IN A SELECTED CITY HOSPITAL

Purpose: The aim of the article is to analyze problems related to the logistics of medical waste in the Silesian Municipal Hospital. The research issues focused on the analysis of currently used solutions, the causes of existing problems and proposals for improvements aimed at improving the quality of medical waste management processes in the hospital. The research will focus on analyzing areas related to the collection, storage, transport, and disposal of medical waste. Design/methodology/approach: In the research presented in this article, an analysis of the literature on the processes of the waste management was used. The research focused on analyzing areas related to the collection, storage, transport, and disposal of medical waste. The analysis covered also procedures related to the segregation of medical waste and compliance with applicable regulations. The research focused also on assessing the effectiveness of existing logistics processes in waste management and identifying potential areas requiring improvement. IGrafx program was used for research and modeling. Findings: The research showed some problems related to human resources, waste storage, transportation of medical waste and disinfection of carts and storages. Therefore, carrying out this assessment and analysis of the medical waste logistics management system allowed to propose corrective actions and improvements in the areas that most require improvement and adversely affect the waste logistics process. Research limitations: The research limitation was an access to some data in the hospital. In the future similar research should be carried out in another hospitals in Silesia region. Practical implications: Carrying out this assessment and analysis of the medical waste logistics management system allowed to propose corrective actions and improvements in the areas that most require improvement and adversely affect the waste logistics process. The introduction of the proposed improvements will increase the efficiency of the process and contribute to minimizing the risk of current problems occurring in the future. Originality/value: The article shows the scale of the problem that can occur in many hospitals in Poland. Additionally, the article presents some recommendations for hospital staff, which aimed at minimizing the health risk to patients and staff, as well as improving compliance with standards and procedures set in the hospital.