Sustainability interventions in nursing wards
ADL
Washable underpad
Disposable cellulose mats have a significant environmental impact due to the raw materials used in their production. For example, wood is needed to make the pulp that gives the mats their absorbent quality. In addition, cellulose mats are difficult to recycle.
Intervention
Replace disposable cellulose mats with washable underpads.
Environmental impact
Measured in CO₂ emissions, based on the reduction in the number of cellulose mats and the reuse of washable underpads.
Implementation approach
Refer to the approach for implementing a (reusable) product and consult the step-by-step guide for more information on setting goals, implementation, and evaluation.
When is it implemented?
This intervention is considered implemented when nursing units in the hospital have switched to using washable underpads and the difference in CO₂-equivalent (kg) has been calculated.
How this is measured?
The environmental impact of this intervention can be determined using purchasing data on the number of cellulose mats, see the procedure for measuring an intervention using purchasing data.
Note: Other interventions may affect the outcomes of this intervention. If the ‘Reducing the use of cellulose mats’ intervention is implemented at the same time, this could influence the purchasing data of cellulose mats. Implement the ‘Reducing cellulose mat use’ intervention first, followed by this intervention, to accurately measure the effect.
Resources
Click here for an example from Noordwest Hospital Group where washable underpads were introduced. The hospital aims for zero disposable cellulose mats per year.
Click here for the best practice from the Green ICU on washable underpads.
Resultaten
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View our other interventions
Monitoring parameters
Reusable transport bag for laboratory samples
Nurses collect various samples for diagnostic testing. For transport to the laboratory, different single-use containers such as cups, bags, or kidney trays are currently used and then discarded. A reusable transport container is a more sustainable alternative.
