Old operating theatre boots that are still accessible are washed, to later be used by tourists such as suppliers handling tools, customer surgeons or observers like students and trainees, who need to wear clogs for infection-control purposes.
Worn-out boots are dropped into the patient’s textile recycling bin. Used clothing or sacks in good condition can be disposed of in this bin at SKH’s Green Corner on Level 1 for generosity, employees, patients, and guests. Since its launch in January 2023, the doctor has donated 8, 804 kilograms of fabric.
For 20 % of celebration catering and all meals served by the operating theatre staff, SKH uses washable items. The amount of garbage in disposable bento boxes has been reduced from three to four bags per dinner service time.
The patient’s food waste digester method is one of its biggest sustainability initiatives. Food waste, according to Associate Professor Tan, makes up 11 % of Singapore’s complete waste. And, with 4, 500 foods prepared regularly at the hospital, about 13, 800 pounds of food spend was generated regular in 2023.
Food spend tanks installed in the kitchen’s core area transform food into waste. Because it can then be washed down the drain, spend sent for burning is significantly reduced. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it even improves hygiene and cleanliness, while reducing taste and pest problems.
Food safety is also enhanced by minimising cross-contamination risks, as kitchen staff do n’t need to handle the food waste digester.
THE BOTTOM-UP AND TOP-DOWN APPROACH
Instilling a society of conservation has been the code to the patient’s success, said Assoc Prof Tan.
” Our commission looks at big ticket items – such as the timing of our lights, when to increase the aircon warmth and how we can recycle things– but when it comes to what’s in each division, it’s the people who work there who see it best”, said the 53-year-old.
Assoc Prof Tan also serves as co-chair on the Committee on Sustainability ( CoS ) in Sing Health. She claimed that while the overall healthcare sector harbors some skepticism about sustainability, “it is mainly due to a lack of awareness of what we can do and how we can alter – and this is not only in care.”
” In the last two decades, there has been a deliberate work as a medical team to do more”, she said.