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Greening Surgical Care

Posted on October 18, 2021

A recent article in the Journal of Climate Change and Health by Asfaw et al from the Cleavland Clinic has given us some ideas which we’ve synthesised into the below table for easy digestion! What ideas do you have to add? Tell us on twitter

SUMMARY POINTPRIMARY DRIVERCHANGE IDEAS
HVAC ‘setback’Reduce energy consumptionMinimise air exchange in unoccupied areas
LED lighting reviewReduce energy consumption Reduce radiant heatExisting type of lights? Consider replacement
Power down checklistsReduce energy consumption Reduce radiant heatList appropriate equipment that can be switched off or set to standby mode
Choose reusable supplies where possibleReduce waste Reduce carbon footprintReview disposable items
Review life cycle analyses
Research reusable alternatives
Review sterilisation options
Recycle where possibleReduce waste to landfillIdentify recyclable materials in regular use Integrate recycling into existing workflows Maximise usage of existing recycling programs Visual references Review bin locations
Single-use device recycling/reprocessingReduce waste to landfillInvestigate with suppliers regarding reprocessing of specific items
Waste segregation – medical wasteMinimise usage of energy and cost intense waste streamsEducate on waste segregation
Audit waste streams
Review with IP&M
Engage staff
Visual references
Review bin locations
Anaesthetic inhalational agentsReduce greenhouse effect of these gasesLow-flows, Regional techniques, TIVA.
Cease desflurane use.
Reduce or avoid medication wasteMinimise medication leaching into groundwaterPre-filled syringes for seldom-used drugs
Drugs available but not opened
Medication disposal units
Water and chemical wasteMinimise unnecessary usage of water and chemicalsSensors to turn off taps
Chemical recycling e.g. formalin and xylene
ProcurementLook beyond point of use to minimise wasteSustainable procurement
Sustainable packaging alternatives
Product alternatives – biodegradable or compostable
Chemicals of concernMinimise disposal of chemicalsAvoid purchasing items of concern to environment
Surgical kits and sterilisationMinimise unnecessary items in pre-made kits Minimise energy usage from sterilisationOptimise kits to minimise waste
Reusable rigid sterilisation containers
Recycle blue wrap
Pre-operative evaluationMinimise unnecessary testsChoosing Wisely campaign – review relevant points
Measurable metricsEnable review of processes and improvements Improve staff engagementEngage key stakeholders at health-service and government level to provide data

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