Transition to reusable medical products in NHS hospitals: Current practice and challenges

The National Health Service (NHS) faces an urgent need to address the environmental and financial impacts associated with the use of single-use medical devices. Transitioning to reusable medical products offers a viable pathway to reduce waste, carbon emissions, and long-term costs, while maintaining or improving patient and staff outcomes. This report, commissioned by the Design for Life programme at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), presents a detailed evaluation of current practices, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the adoption of reusable medical products in NHS settings. The research was conducted jointly by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH) and Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS), incorporating both quantitative modelling and qualitative stakeholder interviews. 

The project aimed to quantify the financial and environmental impacts of transitioning from single-use to reusable medical products, and investigate the processes, barriers, and enablers related to this transition through organisational case studies and staff interviews.