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P43 Pharmacy on the move: reusable delivery bags for cleaner, greener care

bmjpo · 2026-04-09 · canonical JSON source

5 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Context/Situation/Problem The current process for dispensing and delivery of an inpatient medication is that once an item is accuracy checked, it is placed inside a plastic green bag and then transported to the ward. When no longer needed, the green bag is routinely disposed of in black bin bags/recycling bins.These single-use plastic bags not only have a financial burden adding to the waste costs of the Trust but have a negative environmental impact.The children’s pharmacy department carried out a project using reusable delivery bags, with the intention to discontinue the use of the current single-use plastic bags. This change will contribute to a greener and more sustainable healthcare environment by reducing carbon footprint, as well as decrease ongoing supply costs associated with the purchase and waste disposal of the plastic bags.The project began with a pilot rollout on NICU and PICU ward areas. This phase involved collaborating closely with dispensary staff, nursing staff and porters. Inpatient items are now placed individually in the ward-designated bag, allowing delivery to the ward collectively in 1 reusable bag. Evaluation through regular feedback through ward sustainability meetings and dispensary weekly meetings were held to refine the system and ensure sustainability before full pharmacy-wide adoption.Following successful implementation, in these initial wards, the project has expanded to 7 other wards incrementally. This phased approach allowed for monitoring and tracking of what was working well, identification of challenges and adjustments to the process.The 3-month baseline data prior to implementation dates showed that a total of 1199 single-use plastic bags were used across the 9 wards currently involved in the project. Each bag cost 11pence (total £131.89) and totalled to a weight of 23.98kg, which is equivalent to an estimated 71.1 kg CO2e1 of greenhouse gases emissions (inclusive of material production and waste disposal). This carbon footprint is equivalent to 260 miles in an average sized diesel car.Due to complete discontinuation of the single-use bags, the measurement of change has been quantity of plastic saved, 3 months post implementation dates. From PICU and NICU alone, this figure stands at 258 plastic bags saved (weighing 5.16kg equivalent to an estimated 15.3 kg CO2e).Conclusion The project has generated positive outcomes for key stakeholders, including pharmacy teams, ward staff, and patients. By consolidating the process into the use of a reusable transport bag, the workflow has become more streamlined and efficient. This simplification reduces handling time and potential medication errors.Additionally, the initiative is an important step towards making positive changes that support both financial and environmental sustainability goals, by significantly decreasing the reliance on single-use plastic bags, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental carbon footprint within the healthcare setting. Aligning with the Trust’s Sustainable Development Strategy of setting a carbon neutrality target of 2030.The long-term aim is to use re-usable bags for all inpatient medication locations across the hospital trust site. It is also an example to other hospital departments or pharmacy departments what can be achieved with collaboration.Reference Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2024 [Internet]. GOV.UK. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2024. [Accessed 30.05.2025].