The Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group
1. Glove awareness week
To coincide with World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May, NHS England are hosting a Glove Awareness Week to raise awareness of skin health and appropriate glove use by nursing staff
For more information, click here
2. Research explores the value of NHS green space for workplace wellbeing
Can green space help ease the burden of workplace stress in the NHS? Our research is exploring the experience of three NHS hospitals that have actively encouraged their staff to enjoy their sites’ natural outdoor spaces. The research will evaluate the benefits as well as identifying barriers to change, and ways to address these. Is it feasible for hard-pressed ward staff to find time for an outdoor break? How can hospitals make walking for health part of their working culture? The evaluation, at health sites in Preston, Essex and London, is supported by the Health Foundation, an independent charity committed to bringing about better health and health care for people in the UK.
Read more here
3. Kingston Hospital reuse and refurbishment case study
Paul Graham, Utilities, Waste and Sustainability Manager at Kingston Hospital, tells us how a fire risk prompted their reuse journey. They’ve since set up a storage area and target people around the trust, including reception staff, housekeepers, and department administrators, who regularly order things. They’ve saved thousands of pounds and have refurbished and reused many items of furniture
Read more here
4. Statistical count of in-year workplace deaths where HSE is the relevant enforcing authority
These statistics cover workplace fatal injuries that are reportable under the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) where HSE is the relevant enforcing authority and are updated on a quarterly basis. (They do not include incidents where Local authorities or Office of Rail and Road are the relevant enforcing authority. However, these cases are included in the published annual count.).
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5. New bill aims to make single-use nappies history
A bill has been launched in Parliament designed to promote the use of reusable nappies.
The Nappy (Environmental Standards) Bill was launched on 27 March, by SNP MP for Glasgow East, David Linden. It sets out plans to establish an industry and government-led campaign to encourage parents to take up reusable cloth nappies.
Read more here