Reducing CO2e waste through implementing remanufactured harmonic scalpels in laparoscopic surgery and replacing disposable surgical gowns with reusable surgical gowns

Project completed as part of the Hampshire Hospitals Green Team Competition 2023.

Team members: 

• Laura Vale, Senior Operating Department Practitioner
• Krithea Baker, Recovery Nurse Practitioner,
• Gemma Beckett, Clinical and Operational Lead

Link to topic post by team.

Aims:

• Introduce remanufactures harmonic scalpels into laparoscopic gynaecology and colorectal surgery (purchasing a 67:33 ratio of remanufactured/new scalpels).
• Switch from single use to reusable surgical gowns. Potential impact is based on a switch across the Trust theatres

Impact

Scalpels save 395 kgCO2e and £50,524 per year. No difference was noted by staff or for patient outcomes with use of a refurbished scalpel.

Reusable gowns save 52.5 tonnes CO2e and £23,310 per year. 98.6% staff found the reusable gowns clinically acceptable.

Click here for more information on the Green Team Competition (including organisation impact reports).