Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has unveiled a new strategy aimed at reducing NHS waste by cutting back on single-use medical devices. Streeting emphasised the need for a shift in mindset within the NHS towards more sustainable practices, highlighting that expensive medical devices worth millions of pounds are discarded each year. The Design for Life programme, developed in collaboration with the medical technology industry, focuses on minimising waste and promoting the reuse of products.
One alarming example cited by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is the disposal of harmonic shears devices used to seal wounds, which cost over £500 each, with the majority being thrown away after a single use. Leeds University Teaching Hospitals Trust has demonstrated the potential for remanufacturing these devices, leading to significant cost savings of up to 50%. Additionally, by transitioning to reusable models, Trusts have saved substantial sums, such as £12,000 and 1,000 pairs of disposable scissors.
The DHSC highlighted that certain single-use products contain valuable materials like platinum, which are wasted when sent to landfill instead of being recycled for resale. The Labour Party had previously promised to modernise the NHS, with Streeting reiterating the importance of ensuring every penny in the health service is maximised for efficiency amidst financial challenges inherited by the current government.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, acknowledged the ongoing efforts to drive efficiency savings within the NHS, emphasising the need for continuous improvement to ensure taxpayers receive value for money. While the NHS has made significant strides in cost-saving measures, including a record £7.25 billion in efficiency savings last year, there remains a commitment to identifying further opportunities for prudent spending.
Streeting stated, “Every year, millions of expensive medical devices are chucked in the bin after being used just once.” He emphasised the collaborative approach with the medical technology industry to eliminate waste, support local med tech innovations, and enhance equipment reuse. The focus on cost-effective healthcare delivery aligns with broader efforts to enhance NHS sustainability and financial stewardship for the benefit of patients and taxpayers.