Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Staff Engagement and Empowerment (motivating staff / teamwork / work revamp tackling manpower issue / staff wellness / OSH / retention)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Ho CLJ (1), Lui RNS (1), Ng KK (3), Wong MY (3), Tang SYR (2), Chiu WYP (3, 4)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital (2) Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (3) Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital (4) Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
Amid the pressing global warming crisis, primarily driven by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, healthcare has emerged as a notable carbon emitter. The endoscopy unit stands out as the third-highest waste producer in hospitals. Recognizing this, the 'Center of Excellence' designated Prince of Wales Hospital Endoscopy Unit has embarked on integrating green policies into its operations to balance exceptional patient care with environmental stewardship.
Objectives :
The Green Endoscopy initiative aims to minimize the environmental impact of endoscopic services through effective waste management, resource efficiency, and nurturing an eco-conscious medical community without compromising the quality of patient care.
Methodology :
In April 2023, the Prince of Wales Hospital formed the Green Endoscopy Workgroup, a multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons and nurses dedicated to driving the initiative's four pillars: waste recycling, resource efficiency, research, and staff education. Actions included launching a recycling program, conducting a regional green endoscopy survey, engaging staff through education, and proposing the 'paperless endoscopy report' program.
Result & Outcome :
Our initiative has made substantial strides:
1. The recycling program now routinely diverts 300kg of paper and 80kg of plastics monthly from landfills, aligning with the government's municipal waste reduction strategy.
2. The green endoscopy survey is the largest regional one to date, including 259 healthcare workers across 18 regions, highlighting broad support for environmentally friendly practices. It was published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in November 2023 (available online at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgh.16409).
3. Educational efforts through various workshops and conferences have disseminated sustainable endoscopy knowledge.
4. Preparations for the paperless endoscopy report program indicate potential paper savings of 30,000 sheets annually or the equivalent of 70 trees.
Looking forward, our workgroup wish to extend such practices to other units in the territory. Continued education is necessary to raise the awareness of the issue. Efforts will also focus on industrial collaborations and green procurement to encourage the development of eco-friendly supplies. This forward-thinking approach aspires to establish new benchmarks in environmental responsibility, merging innovation with superior patient care.
