Catalysing action on single-use items in healthcare

In light of the increasing use of single-use items in healthcare posing an environmental threat, Bupa, has launched a new global whitepaper - ‘Catalysing action on single-use items in healthcare’ – supported by our partners at the international non-governmental organisation Health Care Without Harm.

It’s time to take bold, collaborative action to address the challenges of single-use items in healthcare. To all those who work across the healthcare sector – we need to stop complacency, challenge the status quo, and lead with innovation. Each organisation and individual plays a critical role, and we all rely on one another to drive progress. manufacturers and regulators to academic institutions, to increase the rate of innovation and research, to give permission to change, while high quality healthcare remains unchanged.

This white paper outlines key principles for addressing single-use item reliance in healthcare, emphasising that any changes maintain the highest standards of patient care. It provides practical, actionable steps and highlights the need for further research into the health and environmental impacts of single-use materials. Throughout, global case studies are presented from diverse healthcare settings, showcasing a range of sustainable initiatives and innovations.