Keeping our environment top of mind

Several impressive environmental sustainability projects have been powering on through SESLHD in 2020.
 
Led by Professor Peter McCluskey AO, Chair of Ophthalmology and Director Save Sight Institute, a team of interested clinicians, orthoptists, nurses and pharmacists from Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital (SSEH) is looking to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of eye health services.
 
“We estimated that 90 per cent of the contents of intravitreal injection packs were not used. Now the packs are being redesigned so that infrequently used items are not routinely included,” Mr McCluskey said, encouraging other services to review their equipment packs, to reduce waste.  
 
A review at Calvary Health Care Kogarah showed it was spending around $6,000 per year for skip bins to dispose of scrap metal, such as old filing cabinets, broken wheelchairs and walking frames.
 
“We are now working with InfraBuild Recycling to recycle our scrap metal,” said John Muscat, Corporate Service Manager, Calvary Health Care Kogarah. 
 
This scheme is now expanding to other sites, with SSEH also recycling metal scissors and forceps - with 102kg in their first collection.  
 
Dr Kate Charlesworth, Environmental Sustainability Lead, SESLHD said: “Based on hospital size, we calculate that the whole District could save approximately $90,000 - $100,000 per year on skip bins by recycling this scrap metal.”
 
Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Services (ESMHS) has established a sustainability committee, led by Mike Gatsi, Service Director, and Sarah Cohn, Psychiatry Registrar, ESMHS.
 
“Projects on our agenda include reducing single-use plastic and other waste, increasing green space for staff and clients at some of our centres and follow-me printing to reduce paper use,” Mr Gatsi said.