Sustainable endoscopy
enhancing the disinfection process and potentially saving lives. Moreover, the cleaning process is environmentally friendly, as it does not require visors, tubing, syringes to flush channels, port and channel brushes, or sponges. As a result, the Khamsin does not generate hazardous clinical plastic waste, which is vital for sustainability. The introduction of the Khamsin machine marks a milestone in the cleaning of flexible endoscopes, both in terms of perfecting disinfection processes and reducing environmental impacts. It is capable of removing biofilms and all pathogens that pose serious health risks, thereby significantly enhancing patient safety. Furthermore, the operation of the Khamsin
machine is environmentally friendly, as, unlike traditional manual endoscope processing, it does not require single-use plastic devices that generate substantial amounts of non- biodegradable clinical waste. Considering that there were over 1.5 million endoscopic procedures performed in the UK in 2020, the level of waste generation is particularly concerning.10
Conclusion The integration of technological advancement and sustainability fundamentally transforms healthcare, opening new horizons for efficient and environmentally conscious patient care. The Khamsin machine exemplifies how innovative technology not only enhances efficiency but also strengthens the connection between patient safety and sustainability, meeting the increasing expectations from both medical and societal environments. By introducing automation and intelligent systems, healthcare can utilise resources more efficiently and empower professionals to focus on the individual needs of patients. As healthcare innovation increasingly
plays a vital role in environmental protection, sustainability has become a core value in medical settings. This transformation is leading to a healthcare system that respects our planet’s resources and actively contributes to their preservation through daily operations. The future of healthcare will not only deliver the highest level of professional care but also create a system that safeguards the well-being of future generations and protects the natural environment. Through innovations, such as the Khamsin solution, healthcare can emerge as a driving force for social progress, where human health and sustainability mutually reinforce each other in building a better future.
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About the author
Fruzsina Julianna David graduated in 2022 with a degree in communication, media, and marketing. In 2024, she joined the PFE Medical team, where she works as a marketing and communications representative. Fruzsina has a strong interest in medical science, believing that improving healthcare is essential for enhancing people’s quality of life. Previously, she worked for an organisation focused on improving access to healthcare services, giving her direct insight into the social impact of healthcare. Fruzsina is also committed to sustainability, as she considers environmental responsibility and the conscious, fair distribution of resources to be essential values. She believes that scientific and literary writing are powerful tools for raising social awareness and encouraging positive action.
drying-errors/74382.
10. Ravindran, S., Marshall, S., Healey, C., Hutan Ashrafian, Darzi, A., Coleman, M. and Siwan Thomas-Gibson (2022). P196 The national census of UK endoscopy services 2021. Poster presentations. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1136/ gutjnl-2022-bsg.250.
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