Our use of water

Water usage in patient care

For our healthcare facilities, a sufficient supply of fresh water is central to patient well-being and hygiene. We withdraw water from the municipal water supply network in accordance with local limitations, the largest freshwater amounts are needed for sterilization activities in surgeries and for the care of inpatients.

To ensure that water quality in our hospitals meets our internal and external quality requirements, we have implemented respective management systems and controls in our facilities. Water management is also closely linked to our hygiene management. Our experts ensure that our requirements, as well as external ones, are met.

We have implemented applicable risk management procedures in all facilities that come into action if impurities are detected or if the quality of water is not compliant with the standards set – and established dedicated reporting lines.

Due to the critical importance of fresh water use for compliance with hygiene measures and thus patient safety in our healthcare facilities, no significant reductions in water withdrawal are made. Due to internal requirements regarding drinking water quality, we do not reuse water or use gray water – i.e., treated water from showers or washbasins.

How we optimize our water consumption

Aware of the importance of protecting water resources and responsible consumption for environmental conservation, we continued, for yet another year, to implement best practices for controlling and reducing water consumption:

• Checking for possible leaks in tanks and installations
• Installation of perlators in sinks and showers
• Toilet flush pressure adjustments
• Installation of tanks with double push-button discharge mechanisms
• Adjustment of irrigation and placement of plants that require less water