Country hospitals embrace sustainable healthcare through device remanufacturing

Hospitals across WA Country Health Service (WACHS) are leading the charge in sustainable healthcare by remanufacturing single-use medical devices – significantly reducing waste and emissions without compromising on quality or patient safety.

In partnership with remanufacturing company Medsalv, WACHS facilities in Geraldton, Karratha, Derby, Busselton, Kununurra and Broome have been collecting used devices such as air transfer mats (hover mats), DVT (deep vein thrombosis) sleeves, blood pressure cuffs and tourniquets.

These items are cleaned, retested, relabelled and safely repackaged for reuse – a process that can extend each item’s lifecycle up to 10 times. Thanks to a collaborative effort between Health Support Services (HSS) and WA Health Sustainability Officers, remanufactured hover mats are now available under contract for all WA Health services – at a reduced cost of approximately 27 per cent.

Beyond cost savings, the environmental impact is substantial:

• 43 per cent per cent reduction in carbon emissions per remanufactured hover mat
• Significant reduction in landfill waste
• Devices meet all safety and quality standards, including TGA registration
• Support for social impact, with 60 per cent of Medsalv’s staff overcoming employment barriers

WACHS Sustainability Manager Jess Turner said the initiative shows that sustainability in healthcare is achievable, practical and aligned with delivering high-quality patient care.

“We’re proud to be part of this closed-loop approach.

“It reflects our commitment to sustainability while maintaining the high standards our patients rely on," Ms Turner said.

WACHS Chief Executive Jeff Moffet described the program as a win-win.

"It’s better for the planet and better for the budget.," Mr Moffet said.