Hospitals across the UK face the dual challenge of maintaining hygiene while managing operational costs and environmental sustainability. Many NHS trusts have traditionally relied on disposable curtains for inpatient beds, outpatient areas, and operating theatres. These were initially adopted to reduce infection rate and have since proven to be a costly and unsustainable choice, contributing to a linear economy model that generates significant waste. Recognising these concerns, a forward-thinking NHS trust sought an innovative alternative: Yewdale’s Stericurtain.
The challenge: Cost, waste, and practicality
This particular NHS trust was spending approximately £100,000 per year on disposable curtains, resulting in an annual waste output of 12,000kg, with disposal costs amounting to £4,000. The regular replacement and procurement of these curtains placed a continuous financial burden on the trust. Although reusable linen curtains were initially considered, they proved to be impractical due to their weight, handling challenges, and laundry constraints. Washing them in-house required a four-person team to load the machines, making the process inefficient. Furthermore, linen curtains suffered from storage issues and lost their shape after multiple washes.
The solution: Yewdale Stericurtain
In response to these challenges, the trust trailed the Yewdale Stericurtain – a wipeable, reusable curtain with a 10-year guarantee. Unlike disposables, Stericurtain is easy to clean in situ, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and extensive laundry processes. The curtains also address logistical challenges by reducing storage requirements and minimising transportation costs.
Following a successful two-week trial, evaluations from both nursing and housekeeping staff highlighted Stericurtains advantages. The transition required some adjustment for staff, but the benefits were undeniable. The trust projected savings of £500,000 over a 10-year period, making it a smart financial investment. Waste reduction was also a key factor, as the adoption of Stericurtain eliminated the 12,000kg of annual landfill waste previously generated by disposable curtains. The new system allowed for faster bed space turnover, reducing the workload of housekeeping staff and enhancing operational efficiency. Sustainability was also at the heart of this change, aligning with the trust’s long-term environmental goals by eliminating unnecessary waste and reducing transportation needs.
A sustainable future for healthcare facilities
The implementation of Yewdale Stericurtain has not only transformed this NHS trust’s approach to infection control but has also demonstrated the potential for hospitals to make significant financial and environmental gains. The trust’s experience serves as a case study for healthcare facilities nationwide, honing in that sustainable alternatives can drive both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
With healthcare institutions increasingly prioritising environmental responsibility and cost savings, the Yewdale Stericurtain represents a forward-thinking solution that balances hygiene, practicality, and sustainability. As more hospitals recognise the advantages of reusable wipeable curtains, the future of hospital curtain management is set to become more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
T +44 (0)1268 570900
enquiries@yewdale.co.uk
https://www.yewdale.co.uk