2023-08-01 07:38:03
Title: UMC Utrecht Anesthetist Leads the Way in Implementing Sustainability Practices in Operating Rooms
Date: [Current Date]
Author: [Author Name]
UMC Utrecht, a prominent medical center in the Netherlands, is taking a leading role in implementing sustainable practices within its operating rooms (ORs). One of the key advocates behind this initiative is Julia Heusdens, an anesthetist at UMC Utrecht, who was inspired to make a difference during her Anaesthesiology training.
During her training, Heusdens became aware of the significant environmental impact of ORs, particularly due to high energy consumption from air ventilation systems and the vast amount of disposable materials used. Syringes, needles, gloves, mouth masks, and breathing tubes are just a few examples of the waste generated in these settings. Upon this realization, Heusdens became determined to make a positive change.
One important step was to address the air ventilation system. Previously, the system ran continuously, even when the operating room was not in use. Working closely with her colleagues and physician assistants, Heusdens advocated for adjusting the system to better align with sustainable practices.
Similarly, she identified medication as another area where sustainability could be improved. While medications administered via inhalation release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, those delivered through intravenous drips proved to be a more sustainable alternative. Heusdens actively encourages the use of drips whenever possible.
Heusdens realized that sustainability was not a prominent focus during her own education, but she believed that raising awareness among her colleagues and the younger generation of healthcare professionals could spark positive change. To achieve this, she organized reference evenings and educational sessions where knowledge and ideas were shared on how to create a more sustainable world.
Collaboration with UMC Utrecht’s courses and student programs also allowed Heusdens to incorporate sustainability teachings into the curriculum. By inviting students to visit the waste station, for example, they gain a deeper understanding of the logistics of waste management and recycling within the medical center.
In addition to these efforts, Heusdens is also part of the EWUU alliance, which explores sustainable choices in various medical practices. Through this alliance, students are researching sustainable approaches to oxygen use, laryngoscope blades, blood pressure bands, and different propofol ampoule sizes.
Furthermore, Heusdens has implemented simple yet impactful actions in her own practice. She regularly checks for orange bags used to segregate plastic waste, as their presence encourages others to separate plastic materials correctly. Additionally, she has extended the lifespan of breathing tubes by reusing them safely for a longer period.
Recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, Heusdens hopes to inspire her colleagues and the wider healthcare community to prioritize environmental sustainability. Despite the challenges faced in the demanding healthcare environment, she believes that even small initiatives can contribute to making a significant collective impact.
UMC Utrecht shares a similar vision for a sustainable future. While providing care is vital, the medical center acknowledges its negative impact on the climate and is committed to finding effective solutions. Through ongoing efforts to make care, research, and education more sustainable, UMC Utrecht aims to break through these contradictions.
As Julia Heusdens asserts, sustainable practices should become the new norm. With greater support and resources, healthcare professionals can work towards a better, healthier, and more sustainable future. Initiatives such as those spearheaded by Heusdens demonstrate that everyone can play a role in creating a more sustainable world.
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