A surgery team at Darlington Memorial Hospital is pioneering a sustainable approach to surgery with a successful initiative which reduces waste, carbon emissions, and costs associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Operating theatres generate around one-third of hospital waste, so the surgical team launched a project to minimise the environmental impact of this procedure, aligning with the NHS’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions.

The team identified reusable alternatives to the single-use equipment traditionally used in laparoscopic cholecystectomies and then developed standardised reusable instrument kits, which were used for all procedures performed by two upper gastrointestinal consultants throughout 2023.

As a result of the project, 256 kg of plastic waste was eliminated and greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 759 kg. The changes saved £80,650, reducing procurement costs by an 58 per cent.

In a press release, the trust said: "The initiative proved that significant environmental and economic benefits could be achieved without compromising patient care.

"The reusable kits performed reliably, and the standardisation process ensured they were seamlessly integrated into surgical routines.

"This success story highlights the potential for circular practices to drive change within the NHS, serving as a blueprint for other healthcare providers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

"This project not only underscores the Trust's dedication to sustainability but also demonstrates that greener healthcare is both achievable and cost-effective."