Three students in the College of the Rockies’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program developed a recycling method that turns plastic medical waste into construction materials.
The project, dubbed Eco-Scalpel: Cutting Waste in Perioperative Units, was created by students Aman Sidhu, Brooklyn Rauser, and Kelsie Lussier in collaboration with their field guide AJ Brekke, Perioperative Units Manager at East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH).
The project was presented at the annual BSN Leadership Conference at the College, and the students shared their findings that operating rooms are significant contributors to healthcare waste, with millions of dollars spent annually on waste management.
According to the College, the EKRH alone uses over 53,000 IV bags in their perioperative units, creating more than 5,300 kilograms of waste each month.
Lussier says their Eco-Scalpel initiative seeks to divert used medical plastic from landfills and promote recycling.
“The project, which is the first of its kind in Canada, began with a detailed exploration of sustainability efforts within Interior Health and the broader healthcare sector, identifying key areas where waste could be reduced,” said Lussier.
“Our team prioritized PVC plastics, which are widely used in medical procedures and which, once recycled, will be repurposed into construction material for roads or made into composite siding.”
Students working alongside Daniels Healthcare, Vitacore, and EKRH’s Environmental Sustainability Committee introduced custom collection bins to safely transport and recycle PVC plastics.
The EKRH was the first to adopt Eco-Scalpel and has reported collaborative efforts between various departments, including Perioperative Care, Logistics, and Environmental Services.
“Though initial financial investments were required, the initiative is expected to generate long-term savings by reducing waste disposal costs for the hospital,” said College officials.
Sidhu, Rauser, and Lussier have received positive feedback from nurses eager to participate and Brekke is determined to see the project continue.
“As future healthcare professionals, these ladies are already conscious of the daily waste that is produced and they want to help reduce our impact on our planet,” Brekke said.
“I think this project has helped showcase the impact nurses as leaders can have in the overall system and the changes that can be made. It’s never too small of an idea to make an impactful change. I’m very proud to have worked with these ladies and have made a commitment to help see this project through after their semester is over.”
College officials say the Eco-Scalpel project aims to cut down PVC waste by 50 per cent by the end of 2025 and expand across the EKRH and possibly other healthcare facilities.
“This project serves as a model for sustainability in healthcare, demonstrating that with proper planning and collaboration, healthcare systems can adopt environmentally responsible practices while maintaining high standards of patient care,” said Lussier.
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