Reducing the environmental impact of operating theatres

Setting/Patient Group: Operating Theatres

Issue to be addressed:

To reduce the environmental impact of two operating theatres, focusing on waste disposal and electricity usage.

Intervention:

1. Initial conversations with relevant stakeholders to involve in decision making about interventions and gain support. Stakeholders included: theatre staff and management, surgical directorate, and hospital senior management.
2. Interventions included:
   1. Introduction of recycling bins
   2. Low carbon switches – recycled paper, PVC free face masks.
   3. Education to staff on turning off electronics and considered printing use.
   4. Operational improvements: installation of timers on lighting fixing dripping taps
3. PDSA approach to continue annual audit of improvements.

Outcome:

Social

• Improvement in team spirit and job satisfaction
• Exportation of eco-principles to staff homes

Environmental

• Change to PVC free face mask estimated 560kg less PVC to landfill/year

Economic

• Change to PVC free face mask estimated saving £5,000/year

Key learning point

A collection of small changes which are not too time intensive, alongside the support of relevant stakeholders can make a positive environmental impact, save money and improve working relationships.