The NIHR Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF) marked The Great Big Green Week (6–14 June) with a series of activities reflecting its ongoing commitment to sustainability and staff wellbeing.
The NHS generates approximately 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste annually, equivalent to over 400 fully loaded jumbo jets. By implementing improved waste management practices, the NHS could save around £11 million per year in recurring revenue costs.
A key area of focus has been OH CRF’s donation programme to reduce this kind of waste. This initiative enables the collection and redistribution of surplus clinical supplies, such as syringes, blood tubes, and dressings. In 2024–25, over 2,700 items have been donated to groups in the UK and abroad, including to a local wildlife hospital. Estimated savings from these donations range between £500 and £1,000.
These efforts contribute to reducing waste, lowering emissions associated with manufacturing, and conserving raw materials. OH CRF has also improved stock management processes to reduce over-ordering and unnecessary deliveries, aligning with wider NHS goals to reduce reliance on single-use medical devices and improve waste management.
In addition to operational improvements OH CRF hosted a swap stall during The Great Big Green Week, encouraging staff to bring in unwanted books, clothing, and household items for others to take and reuse. The event was well received and supported the broader message of reducing waste through reuse.
The week also included a wellness day, during which staff added new plants to the CRF garden and cleared weeds to improve the outdoor space. This activity supported both environmental goals and staff wellbeing, providing a shared opportunity to enhance the workplace environment.
While the OH CRF is encouraged by the progress made, it recognises that further work is needed to embed sustainable practices across all areas of its operations. The team remains committed to identifying new opportunities to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high standards of care and research delivery.
For more information on the CRF’s sustainability work, visit the dedicated page on our website.
Email the team: [email protected]