Plastic bags vs. Cloth bags
Posted By: Nancy LeMaster 
Date Posted: December 2nd, 2009 Category: Other
We have studied the issue of plastic versus reusable cloth bags and use the plastic bags primarily for safety reasons followed by cost considerations. Linen bags must be liquid proof and able to contain blood and body fluids. Cloth bags that are sturdy enough to meet this requirement are very hard to wash and ensure all traces of blood and fluids have been removed. The cost of the plastic bags is $.12 and we use 1.5 million per year. When you consider the cost of purchasing, replacing and washing cloth bags the cost per use is $.34 and would increase costs $330,000 per year. However, we are also very concerned about the environmnet and therefore BJC was one of the first to participate in a pilot recycling program for our plastic linen bags. The pilot has gone well and we currently recycle about 50% of our bags. We hope to increase that percent next year.
Comment By: james christeck
Date & Time: December 2, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Thank you for filling me in on the facts and figures. What I proposed was the "cloth bag" would also double as the pillow case (oversized) and when you strip the bed, just stuff everything in the pillowcase. The pillowcase could be used over and over again. Also, I would hope that whoever had a patient in a bloody bed would have changed it when it first came to his/her attention. Also, while I'm blogging, I would like to see a "bed mat"
developed made of thick paper with a rough surface. The "bed mat" would look similiar to a "bath mat" that many people keep next to their shower stall at home. Why paper? In my 14 years of patient care, many old folks get confused when they get out of bed, and urinate or defecate right on the floor. Usually
they are trying to get to the commode next to the bed and slip and fall in their own urine. A paper "bed mat" next to the bed could be disposed of quickly after their "accident". The bed mats should have the BJC logo on them to show we care aboout safety. Bed mats are a cost effective way to help end the almost never ending problem of slips and falls. Thank you again for the info.
Comment By: Michelle DuBois
Date & Time: December 7, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Great idea!