Two surgeons receive award for their commitment to environmental sustainability
26.10.23
Two surgeons have been recognised with a top award for their efforts in reducing the carbon footprint within surgery.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, Mr Edwin Jesudason from Ysbyty Gwynedd and Mr Preetham Kodumuri from Wrexham Maelor Hospital were the winners of the Sustainability Award at this year’s Health Board annual Achievement Awards.
The Achievement Awards, sponsored by Centerprise International, celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS staff and volunteers from across North Wales.
Both surgeons began their sustainability journey back In 2021 when they were one of five surgical teams competing in the first ever ‘Green Surgery Challenge’, co-hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.
The NHS accounts for four per cent of the UK’s carbon footprint with operating theatres having a particularly high-energy use.
Mr Kodumuri said: “For our challenge, we focused on hand surgery, reducing the consumables used and the volume of clinical waste generated by creating a new, streamlined procedure pack. We reduced the use of ward beds and theatre space, effectively challenging the assumption that all surgical procedures must take place in theatres, when minor surgery can be carried out in rooms with lower energy requirements.
“The project, which was joint runners up in the challenge, was also supported by team members from both hospital sites which include Iona Williamson, Sterile Services Manager, Teresa Revell and Mandy Roberts, Deputy Team leaders Day Case Unit and Shan Roberts Theatre Practitioner.”
Since the challenge and over the past 18 months, the team at Wrexham Maelor Hospital has successfully performed 200 minor hand surgeries utilizing a "lean and green" surgical model in their main operating theatres.
They are incredibly proud to have reduced their carbon footprint by 80%, saved 65% of costs, and generated 65% less clinical waste. Their commitment to sustainability has not only improved the environmental impact, but it has also allowed them to redirect resources towards providing better patient care and outcomes.
Mr Jesudason added: “Our success so far in reducing our carbon footprint has inspired us to take further action to promote sustainable surgery. We now have minor hand surgery procedure rooms out of main theatres and in an outpatient environment. This allows us to further reduce our carbon footprint and generate additional cost savings while maintaining the high level of care that our patients expect from us.”
Steve Teare, of award sponsor Gleeds, said: “There’s a huge amount of focus currently on sustainability and the impact that of NHS services on the environment.
“All three examples from the finalists showcased how changes we make now can make a real difference. Congratulations to Mr Jesudason and Mr Kodumuri on winning this award.”
Jez Nash, Chief Executive for overall award sponsor Centerprise International, said: “In our sixth year sponsoring the BCUHB Achievement Awards, I continue to be impressed by the outstanding commitment of NHS staff in North Wales. They are innovative in their approach to care provision and demonstrable relentless compassion for their patients and colleagues.
“We were delighted to share the occasion with the 500 NHS staff at the awards, and proud to be able to continue our association with a great night celebrating their efforts.
“Huge congratulations to everyone shortlisted at this year’s awards.”