Reusable tourniquets: their impact on patients, planet and public purse

The carbon emissions associated with using clinical products come from the extraction of the raw material(s) and the transport, manufacture, shipping, use and disposal of the final product. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust's clinical procurement team wanted to reduce the impact of single-use tourniquets on the planet and improve patient experience.

As phlebotomy is one of the most undertaken invasive procedures in healthcare and the team was aware of a new medical-grade silicone wipeable reusable tourniquet, it applied for money from the Healthier Futures Action Fund. It secured £10,000 to purchase 450 reusable tourniquets, committing to fully evaluate the product in terms of its impact on the environment, society and the economy.

The team evaluated around 1,000 phlebotomy and cannulation processes, and found the reusable tourniquet was preferred by patients and staff, saved money and reduced the overall carbon impact of the process by ~80%.