758 Green Surgery: Save the Suture, Save the Future

Abstract

Abstract Background The health sector is pivotal to mitigate climate change due to its responsibility for 4-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, the carbon footprint of NHS England totalled 25 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Aim To reduce the number of the unnecessary opening of suture packs and suture wastage to reduce environmental, social, and financial costs in general surgical procedures. Method A prospective audit was conducted at a District General Hospital by collecting data on the number of suture packs opened and unused for general surgical procedures for 2 weeks in November 2022. Intervention was done by raising awareness using posters and sustainability education. The data was collected again for 2 weeks and analysed using GraphPad Prism. Results For laparoscopic surgery, there was a reduction in redundant suture packs opened (P = 0.86) and subsequently unused (P = 0.86) but the result was insignificant. In contrast, for open surgery, the reduction in suture pack opened (P = 0.028) and subsequently unused (P = 0.034) was significant. The financial savings were extrapolated to be £2799 yearly. The yearly environmental savings including transport and waste incineration totalled approximately 367kg CO2e. The survey used for social impact showed improved staff sustainability awareness and development of new sustainable practices. Conclusions The building of global regime for the mitigation of climate change is vital but the small scales of positive action like reducing suture wastage need to also be encouraged. The emergence of a polycentric system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will become the inspiration for the national ambition of delivering a net zero NHS.