Mr Carlo Edward Sagge1
1Nsw Health – Far West Local Health District, Broken Hill, Australia
Biography:
The author began his career as an infection control practitioner in Auckland, New Zealand, before relocating to Australia in 2023 to take on a clinical consultant role. He has successfully implemented IPC link programs and expanded the education portfolio. Currently, he oversees the district IPC service at FWLHD.
Abstract:
Background:
Lacking a sustainability perspective, infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices at a remote health organisation led to excessive waste and resource consumption, including unnecessary personal protective equipment (PPE) use, overuse of rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and unsustainable waste disposal. Grounded in best-practice guidelines, this initiative aims to foster sustainability awareness in the organisation’s IPAC practice.
Methods:
The IPAC service launched a sustainability initiative in early 2025. Key strategies included promoting sustainable PPE use, developing a recycling programme, embedding sustainability into IPAC education, policies, and recommendations, and re-evaluating existing practices for environmental impact reduction.
Results:
The initiative successfully integrated sustainability whilst safeguarding patient safety. Current outcomes comprised of updated transmission-based precaution posters that emphasise risk assessment prior to PPE use, the cessation of routine visitor rapid antigen testing in aged care ward, adoption of aprons for central venous catheter (CVC) care (reducing gown use by 20 weekly), and reverting to neutral detergent for routine cleaning. Furthermore, sustainability principles were also embedded into new facility recommendations (such as reverse osmosis water recycling and natural light utilisation) and staff education. IPAC further supports the Intensive Care Unit’s Net Zero Bedstock Project, and executive endorsement was obtained for a recycling programme, with a trial involving disposable curtains, surgical gowns, and Kimguards slated for June 2025.
Conclusion:
This initiative demonstrates that effective infection control can seamlessly integrate with sustainability goals, underscoring IPAC’s vital role in sustainable healthcare. Strategic use of evidence and robust support can drive the lasting integration of sustainable IPAC practices.