Introduction.

The management of health solid waste is seen as an emerging and urgent need in Brazil.

Objective.

This paper aims at diagnosing the real situation in the management of health solid waste produced in different hospitals in cities located in the west of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Materials and Methods.

Brainstorming was one of the management tools used for identifying failures in the waste management system. After identifying the problem, the Leopold Matrix was used as a method of evaluating the magnitude and importance of the management steps and their different aspects. Also, the GUT Matrix was used to evaluate the seriousness, urgency and tendency of waste management problems aiming at setting priority indexes for subsequent adjustments. Finally, based on the situational diagnosis, the 5W2H tool was used as a forecast.

Results.

After the tools were applied, it was verified that the hospitals face relatively serious problems regarding their waste management. Besides, it was observed that the professionals involved in the process need qualification and training and the hospital units do not have internal waste storage shelters, which is considered a relevant problem in the transmission of vectors as well as an occupational safety hazard. Hospitals units also present sorting errors related to waste classes, packaging and identification. On the prognosis, improvement actions were planned objectively, with a schedule draft, cost estimate and the people in charge.

Conclusion.

It is possible to conclude that a more effective environmental management in the hospital units is needed, prioritizing professional training for those involved in the Health Solid Waste Management Plan in accordance to the legislation.