Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) has taken a significant leap in its commitment to sustainability through the implementation of a comprehensive Green Plan, aligning with the NHS' goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon.
By embracing the Care Without Carbon programme, SASH is dedicated to a series of initiatives that significantly impact sustainability.
In early 2021, SASH embarked on a groundbreaking project to identify a safer and greener method for sharps disposal. Led by the health and safety manager, this initiative aimed to reduce the trust’s greenhouse gas emissions and minimise plastic waste. The introduction of reusable sharps containers marked a pivotal change, resulting in the elimination of 15 tonnes of plastic waste in a single year and an impressive 87% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
This successful trial, supported by the head of procurement, operating theatre coordinators, and the facilities team, utilised detailed usage reports for accurate forecasting of potential carbon and financial savings. The transition to reusable containers not only demonstrated environmental benefits but also ensured cost savings for the trust.
Through extensive engagement with key stakeholders, SASH developed a comprehensive forecast, highlighting potential plastic, carbon, and financial savings. The project meticulously calculated plastic savings by assessing the volume and weight of single-use containers over a 12-month period. This data-driven approach facilitated a smooth transition from single-use to reusable containers, initially trialled in critical departments like theatres and the emergency department.
The carbon savings were evaluated using a robust 3Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which considered the entire lifecycle of single-use versus reusable containers, from manufacturing to disposal. This thorough assessment provided a clear forecast of the potential environmental benefits.
Upon the successful completion of trials, SASH seamlessly adopted the Reusable Waste Containers framework, transitioning to a reusable service arrangement in April 2022. The trust appointed a dedicated waste manager to oversee the process, ensuring its efficacy across all departments. Monthly usage reports have been instrumental in tracking savings and identifying further efficiency opportunities.
Head of Procurement at SASH, Lee Edwards, said:
“Making changes like these can be a challenge, but we have great working relationships within the trust so when staff understood the reasoning and process, it was easy to bring them along on the journey and get it across the line. Our new Waste Manager really drove the implementation, so much so people are now looking at other changes that would deliver on all the same benefits.”
While the transition posed initial challenges, such as concerns over container size and storage, these were effectively managed through phased implementation and a well-coordinated delivery and collection schedule.
Key Outcomes and Benefits:
- Plastic Reduction: Since January 2022, SASH has eliminated 15 tonnes of plastic waste and achieved an 87% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from sharps waste management.
- Streamlined Operations: The new system has simplified clinical waste management, reducing the handling of 36,000 single-use sharps containers and integrating the process with NHS Supply Chain.
- Cost Savings: In the first year alone, SASH saved approximately £23,000 in procurement and waste management costs.
- Enhanced Safety: Employee sharps-related incidents decreased by 16%, thanks to innovative safety features in the new containers.
- Longevity and Efficiency: The reusable containers, designed for up to 10 years of use, allow for efficient storage and transport without additional packaging.
- Increased Awareness: The shift to reusable containers has heightened staff awareness of waste streams and segregation, fostering a culture of sustainability.
SASH’s successful implementation of the reusable waste container process aligns with the trust’s Green Plan goals, demonstrating a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2040. This initiative not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also sets a powerful example for other healthcare trusts to follow.
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