In a remarkable collaboration between Dutch artist Maria Koijck and Mölnlycke Health Care, the healthcare industry is being challenged to rethink its approach to surgical waste. The partnership illustrates that up to 90% of packaging waste generated in surgical procedures, a significant portion of which is nonwoven fabrics, can be dramatically reduced, all while promoting sustainability and efficiency.
Maria Koijck’s personal journey ignited this innovative venture. In 2019, she underwent a full mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis, leading to substantial waste from her ten-hour breast reconstruction surgery two years later, including post-operative care. This excess waste became the basis for a unique art installation, serving as a potent reminder of the environmental impact of medical procedures.
Koijck recalls, “I was shocked when I discovered how much waste a procedure like mine generated. I’m happy that my original video got a lot of attention and reactions from the healthcare industry, but for a long time, my question has been unanswered.”
Mölnlycke Health Care has taken up the challenge posed by Koijck. They’ve joined forces to recreate her artwork using the company’s proprietary ProcedurePak, effectively showcasing the substantial reduction in packaging waste that can be achieved with this innovative approach.
ProcedurePak, a pre-sterilized, tailored procedure tray, contains everything required for a specific medical procedure, all in one package. This approach not only significantly reduces packaging waste but also minimizes the surplus items generated by more generic procedure trays. According to Anders Andersson, EVP of operating room solutions at Mölnlycke, this sustainable solution has the added benefit of saving preparation time by up to 40%, which, in turn, enables an increase in the number of procedures performed.
The environmental benefits of ProcedurePaks extend beyond waste reduction. They also contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 30%, making them an eco-friendly choice for healthcare facilities.
The impact of this sustainable solution is backed by evidence published in various reports and papers. Hospitals that have adopted Mölnlycke ProcedurePaks have reported significant improvements in their operational efficiency. For example, the Hôpital Privé des Peupliers in Paris achieved a remarkable 37.5% increase in hip, hand, and pacemaker operations after introducing Mölnlycke procedure trays in its eight operating rooms.
This groundbreaking partnership between Maria Koijck and Mölnlycke Health Care exemplifies the power of innovation and art to inspire positive change in the healthcare industry. By reducing surgical waste, enhancing efficiency, and decreasing carbon emissions, ProcedurePaks are not just a smart choice for healthcare institutions but also a testament to the potential of collaboration between art and science in pursuit of a more sustainable future.