CASE STUDIES
Learn from other health professionals who are using SusQI to improve systems and save money, whilst adding social and environmental value at every opportunity.
These case studies have been gathered from health professionals across the UK who have embedded sustainability into their quality improvement projects. Many of these also come from the CSH's award-winning, tried and tested Green Ward Competition. We have selected these case studies as examples, if you would like to find a more comprehensive list of sustainable QI projects please visit out CSH Case Studies page, or join our CSH Networks.
Have a case study to share? Use our Case Study Template to submit your project to us by emailing: info-susqi@sustainablehealthcare.org.uk
Royal Devon and Exeter 2018
Green Ward Competition
Reducing unnecessary cannulation in ED
This project focused on reducing unnecessary cannulation in the emergency department, and won the Royal Devon and Exeter 2018 Green Ward Competition.
Reduced infection risk
Less inappropriate IV fluid use
Annual savings £27,831
Annual savings 8,403 kg CO2e
Patients ↑mobility/independence, ↓pain
Staff ↑time, improved work flow
Improving inhaler prescribing and disposal in the paediatrics unit
This Frimley Park Hospital project undertaken in 2020 aimed to reduce the use of metered dose inhalers in the paediatric unit.
“I had no idea inhalers damage the environment if just thrown away, of course I don’t want that for the next generation. Now I know I’ll take them back to a pharmacy.”-Parent
More likely to know when inhaler empty
& no longer therapeutic
Inhaler switch is cost neutral.
Potential annual savings 44 tonnes CO2e from safe disposal and 363 tonnes CO2e from 30% switch from Ventolin to Salamol across CCG
•Staff awareness of impacts and NICE guidance
•Cross-sector staff relationships & collaboration
•Parents awareness & action
Reducing the use of nitric oxide as an anaesthetic gas
This anaesthetics departments focused on "carbon hotpsots" and worked to reduce the amount of nitric oxide in theatres
Fewer side effects for patient
Reduced risk of abuse in community
Reduce miscarriage risk for staff
£529 saved per year
70,714 litres of nitrous oxide
49,906kg CO2e
Increased TIVA training (total intravenous anaesthesis-a core skill
for training anaesthetisits
Early Mobilisation in Cardiac Intensive Care
This pioneering project in a Southampton Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) aimed to improve both patient and service outcomes
Reduced ventilation days by 4 days
Reduced overall cardiac intensive care stay by 6 days
Total savings of £1,266,327 over 2 years
Total savings of 48.5 tonnes CO2e over 2 years
More rapid recovery, quicker discharge and return to ADLs
Patients having more autonomy during their hospital stay
Increased staff satisfaction
Reducing duplicate medication ordering
This project in Southampton aimed to reduce the amount of wasted and disposed medication
Reduce potential drug errors
Annual savings of £26,000
Annual savings of 11,180 kg CO2e
↓ Waiting time for patients receiving medications
↑ Staff time
Green Walking for mental health recovery
Regular walking groups in local green spaces have been introduced in numerous adult inpatient psychiatric units in the UK. The positive impacts are significant. Watch these two videos by Occupational Therapists using Green Walking in their services to find out more:
Green space and exercise can help to reduce anxiety and improve physical fitness; walks can provide a therapeutic space and allow patients to reconnect with their identity
Cost of staff time (but calmer patients can reduce staff pressures on the ward); may be transport costs
Connection to nature can lead staff and patients to take action in other areas of their lives to protect the environment
Patients socialise with one another and with staff
Improved staff wellbeing & satisfaction, reduced risk of violence