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Net Zero Clinical Care 2023
10 October 2023 | BMA House, London
30527
Coolsticks in the North East
Poster Presenter
Part of Topic
Low Carbon Treatments
Coolsticks in the North East
Sustainable alternative to ethyl chloride spray
J Craig, E Winkley, Z Robertson
Background
Ethyl chloride is a topical anaesthetic spray, more commonly used to check regional/spinal anaesthesia. It’s a green house gas, remaining in the atmosphere one to two months.
One can has a carbon footprint of 16.28KgCO2e and costs £17.94
In Northumbria we used 630 cans 2019/20 in theatres.
Manufacture occurs in Czech Republic and is then transported to the UK and distributed, adding further carbon footprint
Aims
Introduce a sustainable alternative to ethyl chloride.
The Green Ward Project had utilised a cool metal wand in a similar project and developed a Coolstick with Theophany Ltd. Coolsticks are easily cleaned between use so are reusable.
They are stored in a normal domestic fridge
Discussion with Infection control led to approval of use.
Methods
We trialled use in elective LSCS initially with good feedback before roll out across theatres and labour ward .
We have since worked with pharmacy to tail off theatre stock and orders.
Outcomes
Saving of:
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Over £10000 per year for the trust
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10.2TCO2e
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Service evaluation in collaboration with Sunderland and South Tyneside Trust was performed. A retrospective notes review of 358 elective LSCS pre Coolstick and 252 post Coolstick was performed, demonstrating at least equality, if not marginal benefits with Coolsticks.
Conclusions
We feel Coolsticks are a safe and sustainable alternative to ethyl chloride
References
Green Ward Project WHO NEEDS SPRAY ANYWAY? - RECOVERY TEAM https://www.rbch.nhs.uk/index.php?id=3048
Theo Labuschagne, THEOPHANY LTD