Sustainability Prize 2 Calculating the Carbon Footprint of Surgical Scrubbing

Abstract

Abstract Aims This study aims to measure the estimated carbon emissions that could be saved if alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs), which have been shown to be as effective at antisepsis as antimicrobial soap and hot water (1), are used to scrub for all operations at a UK teaching hospital over 1 year. Methods The number of operations performed during October 2021 was obtained via hospital database. Across 25 cases, the volume of water per case was estimated by multiplying the time using water by the volume calculated per second flow. This data was used to calculate an estimate of the total volume of hot water used per year and therefore the carbon, cost, and water savings that could be made. Results Conclusion This study shows that 2.2 tonnes of carbon could be saved in a year if a single teaching hospital converted to ABHR. The outcome could contribute to the current Greener NHS trajectories: a Net Zero NHS by 2050. Reference 1. WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care: First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care Is Safer Care. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 13, Surgical hand preparation: state-of-the-art.