UHP switches to reusable curtains
As part of UHP’s commitment to net zero by 2040, the Sustainability team regularly meet with different departments in the Trust to set up sustainable models of care. One of our most recent successes is our project with Facilities, Procurement and Infection and Prevention Management whereby a reusable curtain trial was set up in Hound ward, Stonehouse ward and in 3 treatment rooms on the Chestnut Unit.
Up until now, Derriford Hospital has used disposable plastic curtains around bed bays in wards. The length of time these curtains stay up depends on the infection risk of the patient, but ultimately these curtains all end their life the same way: in our incinerator. With a view to explore other options, we trialled an alternative product known as ‘Stericurtain’ which is a reusable curtain with a ten year lifespan that can be reused after being cleaned with a detergent. The curtains have anti-microbial properties and a wipe-clean surface with highlighted touch points which prevents the spread of infection in hospital wards. Made from PVC-coated polyester, Stericurtain drapes like a conventional curtain and can be safely used in hospitals for a greener and cost-effective alternative to disposables. Once the Stericurtain reaches the end of its life, it is then recycled by the supplier to become something else.
We’re excited to announce that following our successful trial, we are looking forward to receiving our first order of the stericurtains for use in our hospital! Whilst these curtains will initially be more expensive than the single use curtains we currently use, they won’t need to be continually purchased, meaning we’ll breakeven relatively quickly. The introduction of Stericurtains will also hugely reduce our waste: each year, we incinerate 60196 kg in curtains, which in turn generates 54,260.7 kgCO 2 e!
This is a perfect example of how the Sustainability team can work with other departments in UHP to come up with cost effective and safe solutions to reduce our impact on the environment. For more information, email us: plh-tr.sustainability@nhs.net
