A report from Johns Hopkins said that U.S. hospitals collectively throw away at least $15 million a year in unused operating room surgical supplies that could be salvaged, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
The report highlights the opportunity to reduce the cost and environmental impact of medical waste disposal.
The waste of supplies, researchers said, is rooted in the common practice of bundling surgical materials in ways that streamline operating room readiness and efficiency, but once opened, everything in the bundle that is unused is thrown away.
In the study, materials topping the 19-item surgical supplies list included gauze, disposable syringes, sutures and surgical towels.
Making the Energy Efficiency Case to the C-Suite
Rethinking Fire Safety Inspections
Northwell Health Partners with APM Steam to Reduce Energy Consumption
Cleanliness Is a Measurable Outcome
Workplace Safety and the Role of Access Control