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Abstract Aim The aim was to develop and trial a systematic methodology in order to streamline laparoscopic cholecystectomy trays across all sub-specialties in Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT), and to inform rationalisation principles nationally in partnership with NHS England’s sustainability team. Method 70 laparoscopic cholecystectomies across all sub-specialties were independently observed and audited for instrument usage at LTHT from January to March 2023. The findings were summarised and a usage heatmap was developed. A subsequent ‘hackathon’ event was held in the form of a consensus session with key stakeholders from each sub-specialty to agree a proposed single instrument tray. Carbon and financial savings calculations were then undertaken to measure the impact of the changes. Results Audit results demonstrated an average of 112 instruments across four separate trays opened. The heat map demonstrated 42% of items were used from 0-5% of procedures. The hackathon event agreed a consolidated single tray of 65 items. With over 800 laparoscopic cholecystectomies taking place in LTHT per year predicted financial savings in sterilisation costs were over £22,000 and over 3 tonnes of CO2e annually. Conclusions Tray rationalisation and standardisation has significant financial and carbon savings and can be extrapolated to many types of procedures. Sustainable change is vital to meet NHS net zero targets and requires urgent attention. Stakeholder engagement was crucial to ensure changes were agreeable and would be sustained. Following the successfully trialled methodology and implementation NHS England have produced a guide for other trusts to implement similar changes.
Boag et al. (Mon,) studied this question.