Surgical Solutions

Over recent months, a number of other Trusts have made the switch from disposable to multi-use products out of necessity. However, this was something we had already initiated prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus, it proved to be an excellent move as it got us through the national shortage of PPE and avoided the price increases seen on single use. The team at Elis were able to successfully implement the roll-out of multi-use products during the first wave of the pandemic. We are pleased with the outcome. Many of our consultants and staff have responded positively to the switch, and we have benefited from cost savings due to the fact we are able to reclaim VAT on these reusable products.

As well as helping to ensure continuity of supply, the reusable gowns are expected to deliver considerable financial and environmental savings. The forecasted reduction in clinical waste is approximately 8 tonnes per year, resulting in an annual saving of around £3,000.00. This represents an overall saving of 22% on previous disposable products, while enabling the Trust to operate more sustainably.

The NHS contributes to 4-5% of total carbon emissions in the UK. Operating theatres are particularly energy intensive, with a single procedure estimated to generate carbon emissions equivalent to driving 450 miles in an average petrol car. The Greener Theatres checklist published by the four Royal Colleges of Surgeons in the UK and Ireland highlights reusable gowns as an effective means of reducing the environmental impact of operating theatres, and we are therefore keen to implement the switch to more sustainable surgical textiles within our facilities.