Get involved
Sexual Health and HIV team win award for green innovation
Organisation: University Hospital Sussex
Location: Claude Nicol Centre at Royal Sussex County Hospital and the Morley Street Clinic
Evolving Care
What's the idea?
Inspired by the Trust's Environment Week a multi-disciplinary group in HIV services, SHAC and pharmacy known as the green team decided to take on single use plastic in sexual health care. They championed the use of reusable metal speculums for use with patients in examinations.
First they conducted a survey to establish who was already using them, and in what situations, and whether there was an interest in those that weren't in making the switch. With positive feedback the team set about establishing training sessions to ensure colleagues felt comfortable using the metal speculums and patient care was not compromised and had practice in safely sterilizing the equipment for reuse.
After a pilot which was successful, the use of metal speculums is now more standard practice within the sexual health teams.
Impact of the project
Money saving
Reduced carbon emissions
Cathy Harman Award winning idea
How you could implement a similar idea
If your Trust has a Green Champions network get involved and see what support is available. Many of the Green Team members behind this award winning innovation in care are also part University Hospitals Sussex Green Ambassadors programme.
If not your Quality Improvement Team can support.
Conduct a short informal poll with colleagues to see if there is support for any change ideas you may have.
Resources to get you started
The Gov.UK website has some information on innovative projects in sexual health: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-projects-to-trial-new-ways-to-improve-sexual-health-and-hiv-outcomes