University saves £20,000 by repurposing unused medical items

A University of South Wales and NHS project has saved over £20,000 in equipment costs by repurposing out-of-date medical items identified for disposal.

The initiative, a collaboration between the University of South Wales (USW) and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB), aims to divert unused medical items away from incineration to be used by healthcare students at USW.

“This initiative is a win-win,” said Ashley Davies, Lecturer in Operating Department Practice. “We’re reducing waste, improving the quality of our training, and making a tangible contribution to national sustainability targets.

“I am looking to expand the project to critical care, obstetrics, A&E, and wards, which could then supply all of the healthcare courses at USW.”

This is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when academia and healthcare providers work together…

In six months, the USW says the project has reintegrated over 95% of out-of-date items identified for disposal by CTMUHB into the university’s teaching inventory.

USW says this saved £20,297 in equipment costs and also cut CTMUHB’s waste management costs by around £4000.

The medical items are repurposed for students on the BSc Operating Department Practice degree to allow them to use real-world equipment identical to what they would encounter in clinical placements.

The project works closely with operating theatres at Royal Glamorgan and Prince Charles Hospitals.

The hospitals collect unused medical consumables, such as gloves, syringes, and dressings, before they are discarded due to expiry and redirect them for educational use.

Craig Holley, Clinical Lead – Anaesthetics (ODPs/Nurses) CTMUHB, commented: “This is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when academia and healthcare providers work together with a shared vision of sustainability and education.”

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