Halle University Hospital's obstetrics unit earns top green certification for sustainable care
The University Hospital and Polyclinic for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine at Halle University Hospital has received a key environmental certification. This recognition confirms the department’s commitment to sustainable and responsible healthcare practices. The achievement follows strict international standards for environmental management. The certification is based on the DIN EN ISO 14001 standard, a globally recognised framework for environmental management. It focuses on continuous improvement and reducing resource use. A dedicated 'Sustainability' working group, made up of nurses, midwives, and doctors, leads these efforts.
The obstetrics team balances high medical standards with eco-friendly initiatives. For example, midwives now repurpose unused swabs to take newborn footprints, cutting down on waste. Placentas are also handled more sustainably—stored and disposed of collectively once a week. This change saves around 300 kilograms of material and waste each year. To further reduce emissions, the department offers telemedicine consultations. This reduces the need for patient travel and supports climate protection. Despite these changes, patient safety, hygiene, and staff well-being remain the top priorities in all sustainability measures.
The certification serves as proof of the hospital’s responsible and sustainable approach. By meeting the DIN EN ISO 14001 standard, the obstetrics department demonstrates its long-term commitment to environmental care. These measures ensure that medical excellence goes hand in hand with ecological responsibility.
