Medicality Suites; Her Health and Aesthetics Environmental sustainability
Healthcare delivery involves the use of single-use products and generates significant volumes of non-recyclable waste. This is necessary to maintain infection control and patient safety, but carries a large environmental burden.
Our clinic is working towards waste reduction and currently implements the following strategies:
- The use of autoclavable metal instruments
- Purchasing biodegradable products when available (eg gloves, towels, bags and absorbent pads)
- Choosing paper packaging over plastic
- Minimising paper use via electronic medical records e-prescribing and reducing fax communication
- Purchasing recycled paper products
- Reducing unnecessary tests and investigations
- Reducing travel by using telehealth consultations
- Subscribing to a renewable energy electricity provider
- Participating in recycling programmes
- Reducing incineration by correctly identifying hazardous (versus non-contaminated) clinical waste
- The use of low-energy lighting
- Time restricted heating and cooling
We will keep abreast of research in recycling of clinical waste which offers promise of safe plastic re-use.