Thanks to a recent sustainability initiative, our surgical teams are embracing the use of reusable and personal cloth hats.
Working closely with Infection Prevention and our Sustainability Committee, Dr Tracy Jackson, Specialist Anaesthetist was a passionate advocate and driver of the proposal for reusable cloth hats, which are now part of our internal policy for perioperative attire.
“It’s essential we make environmentally sustainable choices while ensuring patient care and safety is upheld.”, says Dr Jackson.
“With our theatre teams able to reuse their cloth hats, fewer disposable caps end up in landfill, while reducing hospital costs. It really is a win-win.”
Reducing waste – environmentally and economically
One of the goals outlined in our Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan is to manage our waste sustainably while maximising opportunities to reuse and recycle. The reusable cloth hats initiative is the first of many of how we’re continually working towards reducing landfill waste, while ensuring excellence in health care is maintained.
“ While some disposable hats would still be needed for level 3 PPE, changing to reusable cloth hats in all other settings still represents a significant saving.”, says Jackson
Protecting our patients
The use of reusable cloth hats complies with our internal policy for perioperative attire, which ensures we continue to protect our patients and colleagues. The conditions in our policy promote safe infection prevention measures; from the material to the replacement, transport and laundering of reusable cloth hats.
Where to get a reusable cloth hat?
Multiple local companies sell reusable cloth hats in a variety of designs and patterns. When purchasing, you can consider taking on the #TheatreCapChallenge by personalising your cap with your name and role. This practice helps with communication and building trust with patients and colleagues.
Congratulations to Dr Jackson, the Sustainability Committee, and Infection Prevention for establishing a more sustainable option in theatre hats while protecting the safety of patients and employees.