Environmental Impact

Did you know approximately 278 million dressing changes are made each year in the UK.  The dressings are often made of synthetic, non-biodegradable components such as foam, silicones, polymers and hydrogels as well as outer plastic coverings and adhesives. The average weight of a dressing change is 60 g, which amounts to at least 16,680 tonnes of waste annually. 

Historically most dressing changes include the use of wound cleaning solutions and dressings, which for infected wounds frequently contain chemical antimicrobials such as polyaminopropyl biguanide, chlorhexidine, and Dialkylcarbomoyl chloride (DAC).

In community care, where the majority of wounds are treated, the waste is typically disposed of as household waste and this affects the ecology of rivers and streams.

• We in homewoundcare will play our part in improving the ecological footprint of healthcare.

• We minimise our use of river polluting antimicrobials and advocate the cleansing wound with water.

• We buy refurbished computers and tablets where possible, use second hand uniforms and scrubs, and encouraging the use of low emission vehicles.

• We use our purchasing power to encourage manufacturers to make eco-friendly products for wound care.

• We offer patients who are able, the option to provide their own washed and ironed towels and sheets as sterile fields for dressing changes.

• We support the use of natural eco products such as manuka honey dressings, for those patients who want to improve wound healing using natural products.

• We have an ecological focus throughout the business and, staying open to suggestions from colleagues and patients on how to reduce our environmental impact.