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The NHSGGC Watch Your Waste campaign aims to help raise awareness of following the correct waste procedures to both staff and patients on our sites across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Watch Your Waste Facts and Aims

  • It costs over 3 times more to dispose of orange waste than general waste.
  • Reducing contamination of orange waste by just 10 percent would be equivalent to planting almost 1,700 trees.
  • Up to 50% of the contents of the average orange bag is not clinical waste.
  • Promote correct waste segregation to reduce our carbon footprint and associated financial costs.

If we act on the above and put hospital waste in the correct bin we will help save money and the planet.

Waste Types and Segregation

One of the main aims of this campaign is to ensure staff and patients know what bins they should be using depending on the types of waste that they are disposing.

Orange Bins – Clinical Waste

Examples of what can go in orange bins

  • Contaminated PPE
  • Potentially infectious waste
  • Dressings
  • Swabs
  • Any residual liquids that are gelled

Examples of what can’t go in orange bins

  • Sharps or metals
  • Uncontaminated paper towels
  • Linen
  • Packaging and recyclates

Orange Bin Waste Segregation Diagram

Black Bins – Residual Waste

Examples of what can go in black bins

  • Coffee cups
  • Uncontaminated paper towels
  • Empty packaging for drinks, crisps and polystyrene
  • Uncleaned containers and food waste

Examples of what can’t go in black bins

  • Sharps
  • Potentially infectious waste
  • Glass or recyclates
  • Linen

Black Bin Waste Segregation Diagram

Clear Bins – Recycling Waste

Examples of what can go in clear recycling bins

  • Metal
  • Plastic
  • Paper
  • Cardboard

Examples of what can’t go in clear recycling bins

  • Glass
  • Food
  • Black bin/waste products
  • Orange Bin/waste products
  • Linen waste products

Recycling Waste Segregation Diagram

Watch Your Waste Awareness Posters

Click the below posters to view and download for printing and use on NHSGGC sites.

Further Waste Resources for Staff

NHSGGC’s innovative approach

NHSGGC is committed to taking an innovative approach to driving out waste, delivering year-on-year reductions in cost and volumes.

NHSGGC delivers healthcare services across a wide portfolio of settings, resulting in the production of a correspondingly broad range of wastes.

We are responsible for adhering to the waste hierarchy as far as is reasonably practicable, enacting a waste minimisation strategy and implementing circular economy principles.

In the workplace, a large variety of wastes are produced; these can be classified broadly into the following six ‘core’ waste streams:

  1. Healthcare (including clinical) waste – waste produced as a direct result of healthcare activities which may pose a risk of infection and/or is medicinally contaminated;
  2. Other (non-healthcare) special wastes – waste with hazardous characteristics produced from support (non-healthcare) activities, such as paints, batteries, and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE);
  3. Source-segregated Recyclates – glass, paper, card, plastics, metals, and other metals suitable for recycling;
  4. Construction waste – Minor Estates and capital projects works;
  5. Food waste – unwanted food from patients, staff, and visitors of the site;
  6. Residual waste – the fraction of waste that remains once all special waste, recyclates and food have been removed at source. This is typically described as ‘black bag’, ‘domestic’ or municipal waste.
Waste Segregation – LearnPro module

NHSGGC is committed to implementing best practice when it comes to waste segregation. Every waste type produced within a healthcare facility will require a different disposal method with different costs and GHG emissions.

The new module on Waste Segregation is now available to staff on the LearnPro platform. This covers the different waste streams, colour-code segregation system, legal compliance and best practices and helps ensure the safety of all staff involved in waste disposal procedures.

The Waste Segregation Module can be accessed by going to LearnPro and searching for GGC: 310 Waste Segregation under Specialist Subjects or simply by clicking on the link below. 

Global Recycling Day

On the 18th of March we celebrated Global Recycling Day to raise a global awareness of recycling and reducing waste in our environment. Recycling means that there is less waste buried on our landfill and it ensures the protection of wildlife and ecosystem.

Reasons you should recycle more

  1. Reduces the likelihood of environmental harm
  2. Saves energy
  3. Prevents pollution
  4. Reduces landfill disposal
  5. Creates economic benefits
  6. Saves natural resources

By improving our recycling we can keep our environment clean and protect our health.

Guidance Material and Posters

The Waste Team is continuing to invest in the development of visual material (e.g., toolbox talks, guidance posters, bin lid stickers) to help staff, patients and visitors to make the best decision when it comes to segregating waste correctly.

The materials displayed below are available for staff and can be ordered via Medical Illustration by providing the mi code located in the lower right corner. We recommend you contact the Waste Team before ordering any material in case it is already available for you.

Waste Campaign Posters

Waste Segregation Policy 2023

Chair

Biography

Dr Lesley Thomson KC joined NHSGGC from NHS Lanarkshire where she served on the Board for 5 years as a Non-Executive Director and Vice Chair.

Lesley had a long career in Law and was the Solicitor General for Scotland from 2011 to 2016. Prior to that, she worked as a Procurator Fiscal in many locations across Scotland including serving as Area Procurator Fiscal in Glasgow. In 2016 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law by the University of Glasgow.

Lesley’s previous Non-Executive career includes sport on the Board at Scottish Rugby and Education as a Lay Governor at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Her other former roles include Commissioner of the Northern Lighthouse Board and member of the BBC audience council.

Lesley has wide ranging experience of strategy development, leadership and collaborative working with partners across the public and third sectors. She is committed to putting people at the heart of the NHS and contributing to improving lives in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

Other information

Expenses claims

No expenses claimed.

Hospitality

No hospitality declared.

Register of interest

Organisation: Scotland Committee EHRC
Position held: Member

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Portrait image of Dr Becky Metcalfe, Non-Executive Board Member
Portrait image of Dr Becky Metcalfe, Non-Executive Board Member

Non-Executive Member

Biography

Dr Becky Metcalfe is a Consultant in Sexual Health & HIV Medicine and has worked for NHS GGC since 2007, bringing a wealth of frontline clinical experience to the Board.

Becky is passionate about improving health inequalities and is an expert in HIV prevention and management in women, people who inject drugs and those who experience homelessness. She has experience in leading service redesign to improve the quality of clinical services delivered across NHSGGC and will continue to champion this in her new role.

Becky also has medical management experience and is enthusiastic about upholding the Board corporate objectives including, ‘Better Workplace’. She was elected to a trustee role on the British HIV Association (BHIVA) Executive Committee in 2020.

Other information

Expenses claims

No expense claims have been declared.

Hospitality

No hospitality declared

Register of interest

No interests declared.

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As a data controller NHSGGC are required under Article 35(1) of the UKGDPR to complete a data protection impact assessment for all processing which may result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals. This may include e.g. the use of new technologies, the processing of high volumes of special category data or data processing involving data from vulnerable groups. The table below provides a summary of the most recent data protection impact assessments we have completed.

Completed Data Protection Impact Assessments

My Asthma Biologics

Purpose

The purpose of the app is to facilitate the appropriate exchange of data to support close monitoring of patients receiving biologics to track their clinical course and continue to justify eligibility for biologics. Patients are prompted to enter information on their asthma control and exacerbation history to facilitate clinical review. It will enable clinicians to manage patients remotely at scale.

Patients also benefit from digital tools that can improve their compliance with asthma medication and self-management on a continuing basis out of hospital, using features such as inhaler technique videos, personalised asthma action plan, peak flow monitoring and steroid weaning plan.

Date Approved 21.12.2022

Review Date 21.12.2024

Quote from Professor Jason Leitch CBS - As we mark 75 years of the NHS and reflect on what is one of the most remarkable humanitarian achievements of our time, we should also look to the future and consider how healthcare might change in years to come.
Quote from Professor Sir Gregor Smith - As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS, I want to take a moment to thank you for your unwavering dedication to our patients and communities.
Quote from Professor Alex McMahon - Nurses and nursing have been key to delivering good quality health care since the NHS's conception 75 years ago and this remains true today.
Quote from John Burns - Over the last 75 years colleagues across our NHS have shown remarkable dedication, compassion and care for each and every individual in Scotland.
Quote from Caroline Lamb - The 75th Anniversary of the NHS in Scotland provides us with the chance to reflect and celebrate 75 years of achievement.
Prof Jason Leitch
75th Quote – Prof Sir Gregor Smith
Prof Alex McMahon
John Burns
Caroline Lamb
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On 5th July the NHS has a very special birthday. All across the country, hospitals and clinics will be marking 75 years since this wonderful institution was founded – and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will be right at the heart of the celebrations.

We will be looking back at the work that has been done to care for the nation, and looking forward to the future, to see how technology and new ways of working can further enhance the great person-centred care provided by our staff.

As well as celebrating this milestone through our stories and on social media, there will be a number of events across our sites, to thank our staff, patients and the public for doing so much to make the NHS what it is today.

Changes

See some of the many changes within the NHS in Greater Glasgow and Clyde over the years in our short video below.

Recent investments and innovations

Here are just a few recent highlights demonstrating the investments in technological advancements in healthcare, and how this supports not only our own patients, but those beyond our shores. You can also learn how new buildings are improving hospital and community based healthcare.

Learn all about our latest innovations on the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, read about how we have invested in new hospitals, health centres and more on our Capital Developments pages, and discover all other latest news and info on our News pages.

Futuristic 3D Holoportation Consultations To Bring Specialist Treatment To Remote Parts Of Scotland

Ground-breaking Holoportation communication technology allows clinicians to carry out consultations remotely in 3D, bringing specialist treatment to the most remote parts of Scotland, without the need for travel. Read the full story…

Grand Opening Sees QEUH Gro-Garden Blend Greenspace, Art And Wellbeing

A wonderful new garden opened in May at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The Gro-Garden has green space, art and wellbeing at its heart and provides a welcome respite spot for staff and patients to enjoy. Read the full story…

Innovative Incubators Supporting People Of Ukraine Following NHSGGC Trials

Over 35 incubators have been sent to the people of Ukraine, with more on the way! These are providing much-needed flexibility to the healthcare system there, supporting clinicians, and saving the lives of babies. Read the full story…

Award Joy For ICAIRD And NHSGGC Biomedical Science Team

Work to digitise lab processes and validate AI within pathology means that the Pathology Lab at QEUH are now processing around 50,000 slide images per month and have developed an archive of over 1.5 million images which can be used for further research and AI learning, to continue to improve the patient experience. Read the full story…

‘At Home COPD Care Gives Me Peace Of Mind When I Need It Most’

Patient praises the use of new technology, which kept him out of hospital over the winter by allowing clinicians to monitor his chronic breathing related disease, while he remained in the comfort of his own home.. Read the full story…

Royal Alexandra Hospital Celebrates New Greenspace And Arts Projects

A number of arts and environmental projects transform various spaces around the hospital, including a run down pond in the grounds of the RAH into a haven of peace and nature, a new Forget-Me-Not mural on the hospital Chaplaincy, the HALO gardens, and the Renfrewshire Tapestry. Read the full story…

Royal Alexandra Hospital Celebrates New Greenspace And Arts Projects

A number of arts and environmental projects transform various spaces around the hospital, including a run down pond in the grounds of the RAH into a haven of peace and nature, a new Forget-Me-Not mural on the hospital Chaplaincy, the HALO gardens, and the Renfrewshire Tapestry. Read the full story…

Celebrations around Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Many of our staff, volunteers, patients and their families, are joining in the celebrations by holding events in our hospitals and communities. You’ll find these on our social media channels using the hashtags #nhsggc75 #nhsscot75 #nhs75

www.twitter.com/nhsggc

On appointment, Non-Executive Board members are issued with an induction pack, containing information useful for new colleagues about NHSGGC’s governance structures, details on existing Board members and their biographies. The pack will also include further helpful information to assist our Non-Executive Board members to settle into their role.

All Board members undergo an induction programme, completing a series of introductory meetings with key personnel across the organisation.

They will also be assigned a ‘buddy’ from our existing Non-Executive Board member group who will offer support and guidance while bedding into their exciting new role within the organisation. NHS Scotland also support the induction of new Board Members NHS Scotland – Induction Approach – What Non-Executives can expect from Board Induction.

The personal development needs of individual Board Members is also supported by NHS Education Scotland Board Development | Turas. New Board Members are required to register on TURAS and should make full use of this resource.

The induction programme also requires Board Members to familiarise themselves with the key documents that explain who we are, what we do and how we work together to deliver our roles and responsibilities.

These documents are listed below.

Useful Resources for Board Members

Further Information for Board Members

Staff Engagement Session: Sustainability and Value Programme

As of 2023 the Financial Improvement Programme (FIP) was relaunched as the Sustainability and Value Programme.

Join Paul McKenna, Head of Sustainability and Value to learn more about the re-launch, ask any questions you have about financial sustainability and improvement and find out how you and your team can get involved in the programme.

This interactive session will last one hour.

Please use the MS Teams links below to register:

  • Check back here soon for links to our training and resources

Types of Sustainability and Value projects and benefits

Sustainability and Value provides tactical support and through the Project Management Office (PMO) oversees 100s of projects a year that range in scale and duration. Each Project can be accounted for on a Recurring and Non-Recurring basis.

Examples of various Projects:

  • Recurring savings from changes in drug prices.
  • Recurring savings from the change of consumables used in clinical procedures.
  • Non Recurring savings in the reduction of agency staff used in a department.
  • Recurring savings delivered through service redesign.
  • Cost avoidance through the use of alternative methods of service delivery to manage increased demands.

Waste Projects

The waste policy has been revised to reflect the commitments NHSGGC is making to meet legislative obligations and targets as a key part of our Scope 3 emissions towards Net Zero and Climate Change. This is a change of direction from the previous policy and focuses on the environmental impact of waste and our ambitions to reduce that impact.

NHS Scotland is committed to meeting the requirements of Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan through the Policy and Waste Management Action Plan as well as through short-term, medium-term and long-term projects to increase resource use efficiency and improve sustainability practices.

Our Future Waste Management Model

  • Prevent and Reduce – Through our sustainable procurement and clinical sustainability group we will work to prevent, reduce and reuse waste.
  • Reuse and Recycle – Implementation of waste segregation within clinical settings to increase segregation of non-contaminated waste into recycling stream and move away from single use items.
  • Recover / Dispose – Implement recycling facilities at source for general waste in public and staff non-clinical areas.

There have been various projects and initiatives involving waste minimisation in order to be more sustainable. Clinical waste segregation is a significant and on-going project, as well as improving recycling facilities across all GGC sites.

Dry-Mixed Recycling (DMR)

DMR is a broad term used to describe different types of clean recycling waste that can be reused, reformed or broken down into their core materials. They include: dry paper waste, office paper, newspaper and magazines, cereal boxes, card and cardboard boxes, clean, empty cans and tins, clean and dry drinking bottles, milk bottles, and others.  

The DMR system utilises existing metal general waste (black lid) bins and infrastructure. The use of existing bins negates the need for purchase of equipment, identification of additional space and will satisfy IPC protocols.

A new implementation plan was developed for the new financial year in order to implement, expand or refine existing systems on all acute sites across NHSGGC.

The new target for recyclates for FY 23 – 24 is 35% (currently 16%).

Theatre Segregation

Stobhill and the New Victoria Success

Stobhill Hospital and the New Victoria Hospital are our first sites to adopt waste segregation in clinical and non-clinical areas and our plan is to role this out on a site by site basis across the NHSGGC.

Segregation in the six theatres at Stobhill showed a 70% reduction in orange bag waste with a saving of 42 tonnes of waste volume, £17,000 cost avoidance and C02 saving of 17 tonnes.

Neptune 3

Neptune 3 is a closed-circuit waste management system that collects, transports, and disposes of surgical waste fluid helping protect staff from exposure whilst increasing efficiencies in the operating room.

There is a potentially significant waste and cost saving from eliminating Vac Sacs from the waste stream which weigh around 2kg each that are treated through the clinical waste stream.

Rover

Docking Station

Manifold

  • Time saved – minimum 3.6 minutes per procedure
  • Efficiency – within the operating room and waste supply chain
  • Cost saving – reduction in clinical waste and consumables
  • Staff Wellbeing – investment to the Healthcare Professional
  • Eco Sustainability – Reducing footprint of clinical waste
Mehvish Ashraf

Non-Executive Member

Biography

Mehvish Ashraf MRPharmS is a community pharmacist who brings a wealth of patient facing and management expertise to the Board. Having served for over a decade in some of the most deprived areas in and around Glasgow, she has a deep understanding of health inequalities. In particular, ethnic minority communities and supporting those with addictions.

Mehvish has worked at the Head Office of an independent chain of pharmacies spread across Scotland.

She also served as an Associate Member of Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) Lanarkshire Committee and is a Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Ms Ashraf’s appointment is for four years, from 9th January 2023 to 8th January 2027.

Other information

Expenses claims

No expense claims have been declared.

Hospitality

No hospitality declared

Register of interest

No interests declared.

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Below are links to various sustainability resources for staff.