167 Assessing the Environmental Impact of Theatre Tray Rationalisation for Abscess Management & Simple Wound Debridement

Abstract Aim To create a new abscess & debridement set (ADS) and assess its environmental & cost impact. Method Surgeons of various grades were surveyed to assess the frequency with which they utilise instruments on the minor operations set (MOS) for abscess drainage & wound debridement (always, often, sometimes and rarely). The most frequently used instruments formed the ADS. Results 23 responses were collected over 4 weeks from surgeons of various grades. The most frequently used instruments formed the ADS. This saw a reduction from 42 instruments to 9. Conclusions At our trust we undertook around 300 incision & drainage procedures in 2023-2024. The new ADS produces a financial saving of around £28 per sterilisation cycle and around £8,415 per year. There will be a reduction in estimated greenhouse gas emissions of 2.18-2.54kg CO2 per tray, 654-762kg CO2 per year. The equivalent of driving around 3,500 miles in an average car. With only 57% of UK trusts having a dedicated abscess tray, this project presents a reproducible method to unlock significant cost saving and reduced emissions across the NHS.