Sustainability Issues and Things That Can Be Achieved in Hand Surgery

Description

In a recent presentation, Matthew Gardiner from Frimley Health explores the pressing need for environmental sustainability within healthcare. Starting with a nod to his co-speakers and sharing his personal journey, Gardiner emphasizes the concept of 'marginal gains' made famous by the British Cycling team's success, suggesting that small changes in practice can ultimately lead to substantial improvements in sustainability initiatives.



He defines sustainability as balancing economic, social, and environmental needs to ensure long-term viability, with the NHS aiming for carbon net-zero statuses by 2040 to 2045. Gardiner highlights the practical measures taken at Frimley Health, specifically within hand surgery, to reduce carbon emissions. These include carbon mapping surgical procedures to identify and minimize waste, implementing a streamlined approach with fewer instruments, and innovative patient care methods, such as offering surgeries in a semi-upright position to enhance patient comfort.



Gardiner shares successful initiatives, like the 'Green Surgery Challenge,' which emphasizes efficient use of surgical instruments and resources while advocating for design innovation, including the development of a new adjustable hand table that optimizes patient positioning and improves outcomes. This progressive approach underscores the importance of research in questioning traditional practices and determining the necessity of procedures, opting for minimally invasive options when possible.



Finally, Gardiner concludes with actionable strategies for sustainability in surgical practices, encapsulated in the 'five Rs': reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, and research, encouraging a holistic approach to healthcare sustainability that balances patient care with environmental considerations.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-240839

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