ICN Declares Control of Medical Waste
a Pressing Issue for Nursing

Geneva, Switzerland. November 13, 1998 -- The impact of medical waste on the natural environment and the consequences of inefficient and ineffective disposal of medical waste is an area for action by the International Council of Nurses, national nurses' associations and the nursing community in general. Along with other health professionals, nurses in clinical care are producers of medical waste and have a responsibility to reduce and where possible, eliminate, its negative impact on the environment.

"Primary health care, with its focus on the basic determinants of health, recognizes the key role the environment plays in the health status of individuals, families and communities" said International Council of Nurses President Kirsten Stallknecht, speaking on behalf of the ICN Board currently holding their annual meeting in Geneva. "ICN and national nurses' associations, as representative organizations of nurses and nursing, have the responsibility to direct clinical and policy decisions with regard to medical waste."

ICN will work with member associations in making nurses aware of the consequences of the medical waste produced by the health sector and of their responsibilities in influencing protocols and policies effecting its production and disposal. "

Nursing's commitment to health promotion must include safeguarding the natural environment," continued Stallknecht. "ICN calls for nurses and nursing organizations to take leadership in this area."

ICN is a federation of 118 national nurses' associations representing the millions of nurses working worldwide. Operated by nurses for nurses, ICN is the international voice of nursing and works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally.

Contact Nancy Vatré or Linda Carrier-Walker, ICN Booth No. 52;
Tel 908 01 00, Fax 908 01 01, e-mail icn@uni2a.unige.ch
ICN/98/95 No. 11