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New system could save NHS millions
A NEW device to dispose of clinical fluids in operating theatres could reduce the risk of infection and save the NHS millions of pounds, according to the team which developed it.
The Fluid Disposal System, designed by the medical physics team and clinical staff at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, came about after current methods for fluid disposal in hospitals were assessed to see how they could be improved.
It is estimated that NHS Trusts generate 193,000 tonnes of clinical waste every year, including blood, human tissue and drugs, so it is vital that healthcare environments dispose of this waste in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Existing fluid disposal methods often see waste going into plastic containers and taken to landfill.
As well as being costly, this method often sees theatre technicians having to lift heavy containers, with the potential for cross-contamination through leakage when lifted.
Clinical staff at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals wanted to remove these issues and developed a system which sees waste go down a drain rather than into landfill.
The new system, which has the potential to be transferred into different disciplines, has already been in operation at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
The team believes it could potentially save the NHS 30m in five years in urology departments alone as well as benefiting staff working practices and the environment.
Marion Hill, a Sister in Urology at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield who was involved in the creation of the new system, said: "The old system meant we had to spend a lot of money on consumables such as containers and bins and for the waste to be taken away.
"However, with this new system, the fluid goes straight into the sewage system to bypass a lot of monetary and environmental wastage. This has saved us about 30,000 over a year for just two urology theatres."
John Wilson, clinical technologist involved in the creation of the new system as part of the medical physics team, said: "I would like this system to be a winner.
"It not only saves lifting and handling which prevents staff injury; but ultimately will save the hospital thousands of pounds."
Medipex, the NHS Innovation Hub for the Yorkshire and Humber region are now looking for a company to help to commercialise the device so that its benefits can be utilised across the whole of the NHS.
For more information, contact Dr Chris Herbert, business development manager at Medipex by e-mail at chris.herbert@medipex.co.uk or call 0113 344 3853.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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