The Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre (SOTC) theatre team’s green initiative, which slashed carbon emissions, reduced costs, and saved patient time, has made them a contender for the ‘Sustainability in Nursing’ award.
The Nursing Times Awards shines a light on the nursing community and recognises individuals and teams who are making nursing innovative, patient-focused and inclusive.
The team’s participation in a green study saw them pioneer the creation of a green digital pathway for elective orthopaedic surgery patients at the Princess Royal Hospital, taking the patient journey from paper to digital.
Suzanne Ansell, Perioperative Matron said: “It is inspirational for the team to have been shortlisted. It shows that they embrace the Trust’s values and are working hard to improve the sustainability of surgical practice, not only in SOTC, but also within UHSussex and the NHS. I am very proud to be working in a team with such innovation.”
As well as the team’s contribution to the green study, it’s also their commitment to sustainability across the department that has been recognised.
They are now set to increase their use of more sustainable resources by introducing a new electronic notes system, further reducing the use of paper and better managing clinical information. They are also eliminating the use of plastic packaging by using reusable gowns, drapes and water-soluble laundry bags.
To tackle single-use surgical instruments known for having a high carbon footprint, the SOTC are now using reusable surgical instruments that can be sterilised on-site.
Also at UHSussex, the hepatology nursing team’s dedicated efforts to finding and treating hepatitis C in the local homelessness community has seen them shortlisted for the ‘Nursing in the Community’ award.
Dr Maggie Davies, Chief Nurse said: “I am immensely proud of our incredible teams for being shortlisted for two prestigious awards. This recognition is testament to their unwavering compassion and commitment to making a positive impact every day.
“It’s fantastic to see their hard work and dedication recognised on a national level and to see these teams exemplify the very best of the nursing profession.”
Winners will be announced at the Nursing Times Awards ceremony in London this October.
In July, UHSussex joined forces with four other trusts to form an alliance to make a greener and more sustainable NHS, supporting our green plan ‘Patient First, Planet First’ which details our aim of achieving net zero carbon in our hospitals and where we work in Sussex.