The importance of a circular economy
At the forefront of discussions during IDSc 2023 was the important role of a circular economy in the healthcare sector. Surgical Holdings proudly participated in this year’s event, where our Managing Director, Daniel Coole, spoke with the editor of Clinical Services Journal to explore the nuances of achieving a circular economy through quality instrument repair, highlighting the delicate balance required between embracing circular practices and safeguarding patient safety.
The significance of a circular economy is growing across industries, including healthcare, emphasising the importance of recycling, reusing, and extending the lifespan of products and devices to make equipment more sustainable – many of which have huge implications for patient safety.
Surgical instruments play a crucial role in this process due to their significance in medical procedures. However, there’s a rising need for broader education on which surgical instruments can be repaired and the required quality standards. Striking this balance is crucial, as an undue focus on circularity should not compromise patient safety, i.e., it’s important to look at the circular economy and not lose sight of the patient.
At Surgical Holdings, we specialise in the repair of surgical instruments, and we’ve implemented various initiatives to enhance this aspect of our business. One significant avenue is our accredited educational programmes. If you’re exploring the benefits of a circular economy and aiming for quick wins, a substantial portion of device damage – whether it’s endoscopes or other instruments – stems from a lack of awareness about these devices’ intricacies.
This gap in knowledge is easily addressed through education. Take, for example, an endoscope, which contains delicate glass components; protecting and handling it correctly is vital. Training programmes can empower staff to identify issues early, perform minor repairs, and ensure that instruments are functioning optimally. This knowledge supports the circular use of instruments.
For instrumentation in particular, something we see very commonly is devices that are repaired – but poorly. Instruments, when poorly repaired, quickly deteriorate, necessitating repeated repairs. Our approach underscores the importance of restoring instruments to optimal condition. This involves adhering closely to the manufacturer’s specifications and meeting OEM standards, ensuring that the instruments not only regain their original quality but also maximise long-term value.
We always caution against going for the cheapest option; instead, we advocate for evaluating lifetime value and quality. We know that the instruments that our expert technicians manufacture and repair are responsible for saving lives. Quality is a given – that means meeting international standards and using materials that tick all the boxes.
For us, sustainability and social value play a significant role in shaping the overall quality of our organisation. This includes training technicians, mentoring apprentices, engaging with the local community, and making positive social contributions. It’s not just about the product; it’s about building a quality company.
As a company that repairs and manufactures in-house, we’re not just adding value to products but also creating jobs and contributing locally. Ethical procurement, sustainability, and social values are part of our DNA.
Surgical Holdings is proud to be championing a circular economy in healthcare through a collaboration with the ReMed project, a collaborative research programme between Loughborough University and University of Leeds. Daniel is set to share insights and expertise on this pivotal subject at the ReMed Conference scheduled for 19th December 2023, at Loughborough University.
The conference focuses on the latest research and industrial initiatives in this field, highlighting Surgical Holdings’ commitment to sustainable practices and positive industry change.
In the full interview, Daniel goes deeper into the importance of quality repairs and gives a sneak peek into the exciting innovations that are in the pipeline at Surgical Holdings. Get a glimpse into our approach to the circular economy and sustainable healthcare practices by watching the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnGaNmRA7o0&t=19s