A pilot project aimed at reducing unnecessary non-sterile glove use and improving hand hygiene in clinical areas is being trialled at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital.
The Gloves Off, Clean Hands, Safe for All project is being delivered as part of Hunter New England Local Health District’s sustainability strategy to be carbon and waste neutral by 2030, and the NSW Government’s plan to reach zero emissions by 2050.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the project will reduce the overuse of gloves and decrease the amount of avoidable waste being sent to landfill.
“This project could reduce the amount of gloves used by health workers by millions annually, leading to significant environmental and cost savings, while also improving hand hygiene to keep patients safe,” Mr Park said.
“Wearing disposable gloves is a common behaviour in our hospitals, however there are occasions such as direct contact with intact skin and routine observations where clean hands can be used if staff aren’t going to come into contact with a bodily fluid.”
“Research shows that when gloves are used only when needed hand hygiene improves, reducing risk of infections,”
Hunter New England Local Health District’s Executive Director, Infrastructure and Planning Dr Ramsey Awad said the District uses around 28 million gloves annually.
“The aim of the program is to significantly reduce unnecessary glove use by educating staff, similar projects at other hospitals are achieving reductions of up to 30 per cent,” Dr Awad said.
“Significant investments are also being made in solar power, water sustainability and energy efficient practices over the next decade to lighten and, eventually, eliminate the organisation’s carbon footprint.”
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said she was really proud of the staff at John Hunter Hospital for leading the charge.
“Climate change and waste reduction is such an important issue which impacts the health of our communities, and it is steps like this which really make a huge difference.” Ms Hornery said.
The pilot project is expected to conclude in the middle of 2024, with plans to implement the program across the District’s facilities.