South Western Sydney Local Health District

Finalist: Environmental Sustainability Award

Disposable nonsterile barrier gowns are thick plastic gowns used in hospitals to prevent the spread of infections. These are especially important when dealing with patients who have resistant infections or when there's a risk of exposure to body fluids.

Barrier gown use became routine post COVID and in a 2022 observational study more than 50% of gown use in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was not indicated. South Western Sydney Local Health District undertook a quality improvement project to reduce barrier gown use by 15% by October 2023.

An education package promoting barrier gown use only for approved indications was introduced.

Results showed a significant drop in gown use, from 3,800 per month to 1,500 per month (a 39.4% reduction). They also saw a decrease in CO2 emissions by 2,081kg, a reduction in clinical waste by 700kg, and saved $2,300 each month.​​​