Approximately two years ago in our pharmacy quality improvement session, we as a team considered what we would like to discuss during the session - one of the team members piped up with the question: "Why do we send all medication in plastic bags? It's not good for the environment."

At this point several staff began discussing the wider impact of the use of plastics.

This began the pharmacy journey of considering the impact of our actions on the environment and what is sustainable...

We then began looking at how we send our medications to the wards, which was in grey single use bags. We started using reusable wallets instead. We ordered some with the concern that we would not get them returned so would run out, so we ordered more and this actually worked really well. The bags are easier for the drivers and ward staff to carry, as well as being reusable so we aren't throwing away plastic with every delivery.

We have also been reducing paper waste by not printing out entire drug cards and just issuing medication utilising the EPMA system.

Trust-wide we are supporting by using electric cars for our drivers and encouraging deprescribing.

And as a team we are all quite personally passionate about being environmentally friendly and sustainable. I personally started my own journey by using reusable nappies (it's not for all). Staff bring food they think they will not eat to avoid food waste and I have been lucky to get a few kiwis out it!

Despite all this great work in the department that has happened already, we're still looking ahead to what we can do next to continue to improve.

We are switching to a medication formulary to avoid medication waste, looking at recycling blister packs and NOMADs. We are also reducing more paperwork by using EPMA in the community. 

Plus we want some beautiful flowers outside pharmacy for the bees and to help relax both staff and service users.

All these factors will help our Trust and our team to achieve a better environment.

Our journey is ongoing and our sustainability lead at SHSC is helping us to drive our passion and explore the options.

It's baby steps but it will eventually be a bigger impact.

I am a big advocate for recycling and reusing both at home and in the workplace. It is important to avoid waste, preserve resources and to provide cost savings.

In the pharmacy I have instigated a change to direct thermal printer labels, reducing the resources required and therefore giving a cost saving. It also impacts positively for the staff, reducing the frustration caused when the printers require constant cossetting! I am working with other staff to facilitate recycling in the dispensary as we currently generate very little in the dispensing process with the materials used and the confidential waste element. We are looking at the availability of separate bins and the most appropriate sites around the department to encourage the correct separation of the waste generated.

The sustainability lead, Sarah Ellison, has been a huge support and provided some suggestions for places to start. We would also encourage anybody to not be afraid to get creative!