Sustainable decontamination
A call for change As the NHS continues to face significant financial challenges, exacerbated by global economic pressures and increased demands on healthcare services, the need for strategic cost management in decontamination services has never been more critical. Dr. Emma Lawson, Director of Infection
Prevention and Control at NHS England, advocates for a paradigm shift: “We need to move away from the mindset of choosing the cheapest option off the shelf. Instead, we should be investing in solutions that offer the best long-term value, both financially and in terms of patient safety.” This approach aligns with broader NHS initiatives to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency across all departments. By prioritising high-quality, concentrated products, decontamination managers can contribute to a more resilient and cost-effective healthcare ecosystem. Embracing technological advancements
and innovative solutions can further enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of decontamination processes. The implementation of automated dosing systems can ensure precise chemical dilution and maximise the accuracy of lower dosing for concentrated chemistries, reducing waste and improving consistency. Similarly, adopting real-time monitoring systems for decontamination processes can help identify inefficiencies and optimise resource utilisation.5
Looking ahead The path forward for NHS decontamination departments is clear: embrace a long-term
By considering the bigger picture of cost per dose, NHS procurement teams can make decisions that improve patient safety, support the commitment to reducing healthcare-associated infections, and generate long-term savings.
perspective on procurement that values both financial prudence and operational excellence. This means: l Investing in staff training to enhance understanding of product efficacy and cost- efficiency.
l Collaborating closely with suppliers to ensure products meet specific departmental needs.
l Regularly reviewing and optimising procurement strategies based on performance data.
l Considering the environmental impact of procurement decisions.
l Exploring innovative technologies to enhance decontamination processes.
l Participating in national and regional procurement initiatives to leverage collective buying power.
By adopting these strategies, NHS decontamination services can ensure they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, delivering high-quality care while managing costs effectively.
Conclusion As the NHS navigates the challenges of healthcare decontamination, a crucial shift in focus is needed towards true value for money. The most effective measure of efficiency in decontamination processes lies in the cost per effective dose. This approach aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan, emphasising sustainable, high-quality care that maximises the taxpayer spend. By considering the bigger picture of cost per dose, NHS procurement teams can make decisions that improve patient safety, support the commitment to reducing healthcare- associated infections, and generate long-term savings. Adopting this mindset requires a change in
procurement approaches across NHS Trusts. It means collaborating with finance teams to look beyond annual budgets and consider the long-term impact of choices. It also involves working with suppliers to secure products
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I December 2024
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