Reduced use of plastics

We will reduce the use of plastics across our hospital sites and various supply chains, particularly single-use plastics, used for both clinical and non-clinical reasons, such as those in medical equipment and across various supply chains.

Replacing polystyrene cups with greener alternatives at same day emergency care

In same day emergency care, over 1,000 polystyrene cups are used and thrown away by patients and visitors every two weeks. Polystyrene cups take over 500 years to decompose, can harm marine life if they enter our oceans, and cannot be commonly recycled.

Our staff lead a project to replace polystyrene cups with water cones, which can be recycled and composted. More eco friendly, replacing the cups has also saved the department money, with one water cone costing 0.01 p per unit, compared to 0.03 p per unit for a polystyrene cup.

Avoiding a drawer full of single-use plastic exercise bands

At Charing Cross Hospital, advanced physiotherapy practitioner in pain management, Helen Dawson has lead a project 'Stop, Think, Before You Cut', aimed at reducing the number of plastic exercise bands being given to patients. The project has been hugely successful, leading to a 14 per cent reduction of plastic exercise bands usage. Cost savings generated by the project have also helped to buy a set of reusable weights for patients to use on-site when they forget their exercise bands at home.

Further reading and inspiration

• Healthcare without harm: Building resilience: evaluating the case for reusable medical protective clothing
• NHS bids to cut up to 100 million plastic straws, cups and cutlery from hospitals
• NHS single-use plastics reduction campaign pledge and case studies
• Great Ormond Street Hospital: reducing single use plastics case study
• NHS Property Services: tackling the plastic problem
• Healthcare without harm: towards plastic-free healthcare
• Global Green and Healthy Hospitals: sustainable procurement guide