Surgeons at two North Wales hospitals have been recognised for sustainability projects that cut departmental costs by two-thirds. The specialist surgical departments at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd were awarded the Professor Sir Mansel Aylward Innovator Award by the Bevan Commission. The accolade was given after the departments initiated a trial to streamline their working practices, which led to an 88 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.
The project was spearheaded by hand and orthopaedic surgeons Preetham Kodumuri at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Edwin Jesudason at Ysbyty Gwynedd. The consultants collaborated to participate in the Green Surgery Challenge, instigated by the Royal College of Surgeons and the Centre for Sustainable Health. The primary aims of the combined projects were to reduce costs, save energy, lower the carbon footprint, and recycle more clinical waste.
After assessing the monthly waste generated, Mr Kodumuri and Mr Jesudason developed a 'lean and green' model for carpal tunnel release procedures under local anaesthetic. This involved reducing the number of sterile instruments and reviewing operating practices. By cutting the number of instruments from 30 to just seven, less needed to be re-sterilised.
They also reduced the size of the drapes used in the theatre to minimise waste, as only a small drape was required for the hand area. The number of items disposed of was also reduced, and minor procedures were moved out of main theatres and i.
