The challenge

PropCare undertakes health & safety and compliance audits within the hospital sites which identified a number of inefficiencies with single use sharps containers:

• Containers are delivered to site and have to be assembled, which can lead to errors, containers coming apart and potential for health & safety incidents to occur.
• Containers cannot be audited once the unit has been assembled.
• Containers leak, requiring additional waste receptacles for liquid waste.
• Containers, including the waste inside are sent for incineration.
• New containers are ordered each week for all hospital departments.

The solution

PropCare identified inefficiencies and proactively set about making improvements and shared the findings with SRCL, a specialist waste provider. This identified the BioSharps system which provides the following improvements:

• Bio Systems containers are assembled off-site and quality checked – thereby reducing the risk to patients, staff and contractors.
• Bio Systems containers can also be reopened and feature a window on the lid. This enables effective monitoring of waste segregation.
• The containers are both leak and puncture resistant, eliminating the need for additional containers.
• The waste is emptied from the container and incinerated appropriately.
• The containers are re-usable, UN-approved and can be used up to 600 times, owing to a robust washing and disinfection process.

Milestones that made it happen

• PropCare shared its findings with SRCL, which identified the BioSharps system.
• PropCare shared the benefits of the BioSharps System with the Trust Infection Prevention and Control and Health & Safety teams.
• The Trust was impressed by the opportunity available and supported the progression of the initiative.
• PropCare facilitated discussions between SRCL and the Trust to work through the practicalities of implementing the BioSharps System at Clatterbridge Liverpool:
  • PropCare led site visits to determine clinical staff requirements, logistics and opportunities available to improve the current processes.
  • PropCare hosted a ‘demonstration day’ in conjunction with SRCL with example containers for staff to review the product and ask questions on its capabilities.
• The onsite workshops were a success with all parties excited to implement and work with the new system.
• PropCare, in collaboration with SRCL and the Trust Sustainability Lead, produced a Business Case for the Trust which captured carbon reduction, improved health and safety and financial efficiencies.
• The business case was a resounding success and was approved by the Trust to be implemented.
• PropCare led the implementation process seamlessly in collaboration with SRCL:
  • The stock audit of new BioSharps units was completed out-of-hours, to minimise disruption to clinical services.
  • Delivery of the units also took place out of hours, over the course of a week.
  • All old containers were removed and new containers provided, to ensure staff were not operating multiple waste disposal methods, simultaneously.
  • PropCare and SRCL representatives provided on the ground training with clinical staff to support a seamless transition.
• PropCare and SRCL established a number of ‘touch-base’ sessions, on-site, to provide ongoing support as the new system is embedded.

Real results, real benefits

• 487 containers diverted from incineration in a month
• Estimated monthly CO2 saving of 6.69 tonnes
• Reduction in manufacturing plastic and delivery / collection volumes due to larger units
• Recurring savings recognised immediately
• Reduced risk of health and safety incidents
• Improved compliance of waste segregation

Can we help you?

Please contact our team for further information on how we can support you in delivering the requirements of your organisation. We’re here to help turn your vision into reality. Reach out to our team – together, we’ll make it happen.