Sustainable procurement of syringes

Setting/Patient Group: Trust-wide

Issue to be addressed:

Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust estimate procurement of more than one million syringes in 2013 representing significant environmental and economic cost.

Intervention:

1. Explore the sustainable value of low carbon alternative ‘green’ syringes (BD Emerald).
2. Explore the sustainable value of savings of pre-filled syringes (BD Posiflush).

Outcome:

Clinical

Pre-filled syringes would

• • minimise needle stick injury risk (no need for drawing up needle use)
  • potentially minimise breaks in aseptic technique

Social

Pre-filled syringes would

• • save time of staff for additional steps needed for manual preparation of syringes.

Environmental

• Estimated saving of 21% of carbon emissions (equivalent to 5 tonnes of CO₂e per year) with BD Emerald syringes which contain less plastic.
• Pre-filled syringe use would reduce additional consumables use of manual preparation and administration (such as alcohol wipes, ampoules and drawing up needles).

Economic

• Estimated cost saving of £682 on waste disposal with BD Emerald.

Key learning point

This case study provides valuable insights into the implementation of sustainable syringe practices and emphasizes the potential for reducing environmental impact and improving healthcare efficiency in procurement changes.