Mapping Greener HealthcareMapping Greener Healthcare

Goal: To reduce the unnecessary use of incontinence pads on the ward.

Background: When patients come from the Emergency Department to AMU they often have had incontinence pads fitted even when there is no history of incontinence. When they are on AMU incontinence pads are often continued even though the patients can get to the toilet.

Approach: A campaign to change the process of applying incontinence pads was run on the wards with posters and explanations during team meetings.

Savings: Savings identified through the minimisation of incontinence pads amounted to £500 per year. As the ward was exceedingly busy with a high turnaround of staff, the project was considered too time consuming to continue and stopped. It is advised that the project is restarted when staffing is settled and a successful campaign can be run.