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Streamlining disinfection of dialysis machines – Renal Unit
By: Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
52,416 litres of water/year saved in one dialysis unit.
£1790
4,406 kgCO2e
Background: 24 Gambro dialysis machines are used on the unit. Each day 3 patients use each dialysis machine. After each patient use the machine goes through a heat disinfection cycle to ready it for the next patient (i.e. 3 times/day). In addition, a ‘Hot C-CART’ cycle was run at the end of the day to remove calcium, with a further disinfection cycle overnight.
Approach: The third heat disinfect cycle has been eliminated and the Hot C-CART cycle started following the third patient. This saves 24 heat disinfection cycles saved each day and reduces water and energy use. 11 Results: are given for the savings made at Heavitree. Additional savings would be made if changes were spread to all sites (note that the size of different units varies so the potential for savings would be different at each site).
Cost: £1790/year in Heavitree unit.
Environmental: 4,406 kgCO2e/year at the Heavitree unit. 52,416 litres of water/year in Heavitree unit.
Social: None identified for this project.
Heavitre Dialysis Unit, RD&E
The project was part of the renal team's efforts in the Green Ward competition run by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare runs the Green Ward Competition as a clinical engagement programme for NHS Trusts wishing to improve their environmental sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint.
Olivia Bush, olivia.bush@sustainablehealthcare.org.uk