Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is helping make healthcare more sustainable by reducing pharmaceutical waste, made possible through the NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund.
Bathurst Health Service Director of Pharmacy and NSW Health Net Zero Pharmacy Lead Derek Kay is one of 17 recipients to receive the funding for his innovative medication blister pack recycling program.
“This project aims to develop a pharmaceutical waste program for hospitals in the District, which will have both environmental and financial benefits, through the utilisation of waste segregation and recycling of materials,” Mr Kay said.
“The benefits will be less waste going into the pharmaceutical waste bins being sent for incineration, with some waste recycled, which will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the NSW health system.
“Currently, each pharmaceutical waste bin that is incinerated has carbon emissions similar to driving a car for around 60 kilometres from Bathurst to Orange, as well as a financial cost to the hospital.”
According to recent estimates, pharmaceutical waste, which includes medicines such as tablets, injections, and their packaging, accounts for more than eight per cent of a hospital’s carbon footprint.
Mr Kay said the first stage of the program will involve increasing staff knowledge and awareness to encourage increased recycling of pharmaceutical waste, particularly medication blister strips.
“The initial aim is to develop and trial workflows and resources to optimise the segregation of pharmaceutical waste, particularly medication blister strips within hospital pharmacy departments,” Mr Kay said.
The NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund supports staff-led innovation projects that improve patient care and reduce NSW’s environmental footprint (either in emissions or waste). Further information can be found on the NSW Health website.