Emergency Department team achieves Bronze accreditation for practical changes that cut waste
Published 14th September 2026
The Emergency Department at Grange University Hospital has been awarded Bronze accreditation through the Royal College of Emergency Medicine's (RCEM) GreenED programme, recognising the team's efforts to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and embed more sustainable practices into day-to-day care.
GreenED is an RCEM initiative which helps emergency departments measure and reduce their environmental impact through evidence-based actions focused on sustainability. The programme supports departments to contribute to national net zero targets, create financial savings and improve patient care.
The accreditation is the result of a team effort led by Consultants Helen Sharkey and Michael Murphy, with colleagues across the department introducing a number of practical changes aimed at reducing waste and making better use of resources.
Among the initiatives introduced, staff reviewed products used during routine clinical procedures and introduced Hexiprep as an alternative to Chlorprep for venepuncture and cannulation. As well as reducing the amount of sharps waste generated, the change helps lower the environmental impact associated with clinical waste disposal.
Improving recycling practices has also been a major focus. A resident doctor undertook a project examining the amount and types of waste generated in the department's staff room, identifying opportunities to improve waste segregation and increase recycling rates. The team worked with Facilities colleagues to encourage improved recycling arrangements and welcomed the rollout of mandatory recycling bins across the hospital site.
The department's pharmacy team has also played an important role in supporting more sustainable prescribing. This has included promoting the use of dry powder inhalers where clinically appropriate and reviewing opportunities to reduce the use of intravenous medications, including intravenous paracetamol, when oral alternatives can be used safely and effectively.
Consultant Helen Sharkey said:
“This award is a real team effort. We've had colleagues from across the department coming forward with ideas and looking at how we can do things differently, whether that's reducing waste, improving recycling or making more sustainable choices in our day-to-day practice.”
“We are proud that our team, working in collaboration with RCEM Green ED have implemented simple changes that reduce waste and make better use of resources helping us deliver care in a more sustainable way. Achieving Bronze accreditation for our Emergency Department is a great milestone and gives us a platform to build on in the years ahead.”
Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said:
"A huge congratulations to colleagues at The Grange University Hospital, who have been awarded Bronze accreditation through RCEM’s GreenED programme. This summer, some parts of the UK and Ireland we have seen firsthand the impact that man-made climate change can have.
“As Emergency Medicine clinicians, we see how this effects our patients and so it fills me with hope that colleagues across the world are taking matters into their own hands. Tackling climate change is more important now than ever.
“We, as a College, are proud to support clinicians to do their part and this reward reflects the hard work and innovation of the team who have worked to reduce emissions, and waste, ultimately saving money for their departments and improving patient care.”