SCOPING SUSTAINABLE DIALYSIS Dialysis is an important and lifesaving therapy, but it comes with an environmental impact due to its high-water usage. Freshwater is a precious and limited resource and climate change is leading to increased water scarcity in many regions. To tackle this crisis, it is essential that we explore sustainable solutions for conserving and efficiently using our freshwater resources. At Royal North Shore Hospital, we administer 300 dialysis treatments every week. Each treatment utilises about 500 litres of water, with up to 50% of it being discharged as wastewater, resulting in an astonishing 80,000 litres of water wasted weekly. Additionally, each dialysis session relies on single use acid containers, which contributes to unnecessary waste. Excitingly, the Renal Department at Royal North Shore Hospital has been awarded a $25,000 grant to investigate the feasibility of implementing dialysis wastewater recycling and a central acid delivery system. This project, led by Dr. Emma O’Lone, will provide the framework and explore technology driven possibilities which have the potential to significantly cut down our carbon footprint within dialysis delivery. We wish our Renal Department the best of luck as they utilise the grant to explore the possibilities of a transformative journey.
REDUCING PLASTIC IN INPATIENT WARDS
SUSTAINABLE CHANGE AT RNSH ACC
In line with our sustainability goals to minimise plastic across our campus, we have updated the process for handling water across our campus. Our valued HealthShare partner continue to provide patients with bottles of water on their breakfast trays and at morning tea, afternoon tea and supper. However, the inpatient units will no longer be able to order additional discretionary bottles of water beyond those provided with patients’ meals. Instead – we encourage everyone - patients, staff and carers to take advantage of the double- filtered water available in all kitchenettes and staff rooms throughout the hospital. This water is not only safe to drink but also helps us move towards a more sustainable and eco-friendlier environment.
In August, the RNSH Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) adopted new practices to reduce waste and promote sustainability at their clinics. The unit has stopped using linen sheets on examination tables which was previously kept on tables for up to a week, with paper sheets changed between patients. After consulting with the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team, it was decided to eliminate both linen sheets and paper towels. Instead, disposable absorbent pads will be used during procedures and examination tables will be wiped down with Clinell wipes after each patient. Linen sheets, however, will still be available for more complex procedures and the cleaning process for infectious patients remains unchanged. This simple change is set to make a significant impact to our environment.
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