EDI&S SO09 Tracking Waste in Surgical Theatres (TWIST) - a snapshot of waste production in a large teaching hospital

Abstract Background The NHS contributes up to 5% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Thirty percent is generated by operating theatres, of which a significant proportion comes from single-use consumables. The aim of this project was to evaluate the amount and cost of disposable material that was opened but unused in theatres. By identifying areas for improvement, this can help to reduce the environmental impact of our work. Method This was a trainee lead collaborative study taking place over a period of two weeks at a tertiary teaching hospital, between Monday 19th and Friday 30th June. We prospectively collected information on the number of consumables that were opened but unused across various surgical specialties. The number and type of materials wasted at the end of each list were recorded and a cost analysis performed. A questionnaire was sent to staff to assess factors influencing theatre waste. Results A total of 238 operating lists were covered during the study period. A total of 636 procedures took place, and 544 items were wasted, coming to a cost of £1993.56. The mean number of items wasted per list was 2.3 and the mean cost per list was £8.38. The most common item wasted was sutures. The most common factors staff felt contributed to waste production were the surgeon’s preferences and lack of experience among staff. Conclusion Unnecessary waste production in theatres has significant environmental and financial consequences. We can hope to reduce this by educating staff, including surgeons and the wider theatre team.