Reducing Environmental Pollution via Sustainable Practices in the Operating Theatre Environment
Environmental Sustainability
Singapore Healthcare Management Congress
SingHealth
31 December 2023
Reduce Desflurane usage by 50%, increase recycling efforts, and eliminate disposable meal boxes and plastic cutlery in OTs. SKH demonstrated effective reduction in carbon emissions and waste through targeted, sustainable interventions.
Year Submitted: 2023
Published Date: 31 December 2023
Tags: Environmental Sustainability, Surgical Waste, CO2 Waste, Recycling
About this Content
Aims
Reduce Desflurane usage by 50%, increase recycling efforts, and eliminate disposable meal boxes and plastic cutlery in OTs.
Background
Healthcare operations significantly impact global warming (4.4% emissions). SKH’s Department of Anaesthesiology targeted sustainable practices in the operating theatres.
Methods
Posters to highlight Desflurane's environmental impact, on-demand Desflurane refill policies, recycling bins for medical waste, and collaboration to replace disposables with reusable bento boxes.
Results
Desflurane usage reduced by 26.1%, carbon emissions cut by 42.6%, recycling bins achieved 900 kg/month, and 100% elimination of disposable cutlery.
Conclusion
SKH demonstrated effective reduction in carbon emissions and waste through targeted, sustainable interventions.
Lessons Learnt
Multi-pronged approaches (reduce, reuse, recycle) are necessary for environmental sustainability.
Keywords
Desflurane Reduction, Sustainability, Recycling Efforts
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Sengkang General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Singapore Healthcare Management Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Surgery |
Project Lead(s) | Sharon Ong |
Project Member(s) | Lim Wan Yen |
Connect with this contributor!
A/Prof Sharon Ong - singaporehealthcaremanagement@singhealth.com.sg