On 2 June 2006, five environmental projects were presented with CleanMed Europe Best Practice Awards during CleanMed 2006, Europe’s largest conference on sustainable products and practices in healthcare.

The CleanMed Best Practice Awards form part of an international biannual conference dedicated to spreading good environmental practice in health care through showcasing case studies of progressive practices from health care facilities around the globe. This year winners were chosen in five categories from among 65 international entrants. Criteria for selection include pollution prevention, waste minimisation, and reduction of people’s exposure to toxic substances commonly used in hospitals.

The Award for Avoidance of Toxic Substances was presented to Olomouc Hospital from the Czech Republic, for work to phase out medical devices containing DEHP from its Department of Neonatology.

The Award for Waste Reduction and Waste Management was presented to the public medical facilities of Regione Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The project team implemented a region-wide program to improve waste management through better communication and training.

Other award categories included Environmental Performance, presented to the Otto Wagner Hospital in Vienna for using environmentally-friendly techniques to improve patient and worker welfare; the Award for Environmental Protection, awarded to Stockholm County Council; and the Award for Communication and Awareness, presented to Karolinska Hospital, Sweden.