New case study: Leadership and cost savings through sustainable healthcare at Jack Hughston Memorial
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital in Phenix City, Alabama, is proving that healthcare excellence and sustainability go hand in hand. A new case study describes how the hospital pursued The Joint Commission’s Sustainable Healthcare Certification to identify areas for improvement and drive change.
Recognizing its environmental impact, the community-based rural hospital tackled waste reduction, optimized energy use, and found innovative ways to repurpose materials. One breakthrough came from rethinking construction waste, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.
When it came time for the certification review, Dennis Davis, the hospital’s director of quality, admitted feeling nervous about how a virtual survey would go. But he found the process not only interactive but also easy to navigate. It also was beneficial from a learning perspective. “Throughout the process, as I was letting the surveyor know what our plan was, he also had suggestions and feedback for me,” Davis said. “That was great for us, because it helped us develop those next steps in our program. The process really aided us in developing the next blueprint for our plan.”
Looking ahead, the hospital plans to expand green building practices, integrate sustainable technology, and enhance community outreach. "That's why this certification was a real big achievement for us,” Davis said. “It shows the community our commitment and how we want to contribute to cleaner air and water within the environment.”