A new sustainability program at Yarrawonga Health has seen a ‘paw-tnership’ develop between the health service and Yarrawonga Veterinary Clinic.
The partnership, started last month, is part of Yarrawonga Health’s continued drive to reduce waste and improve the environmental sustainability of the health service.
Yarrawonga Health’s Sustainability lead, Rebecca Coll, explains how excess surgical supplies can be donated for use to other areas, including veterinarians.
“Many people may not know that nearly all surgical supplies have a ‘use by’ date. While this is important for the health and safety of our patients, historically, any out of date supplies had to be sent to landfill or other waste facilities,” she said.
“We saw an ‘op-paw-tunity’ that by partnering with local businesses, such as the Yarrawonga Veterinary Clinic, we’re able to reduce landfill, ensure the supplies aren’t wasted”.
Shelby Ross, Veterinary Nurse at Yarrawonga Veterinary Clinic, explains how this equipment will be used to support services across the region.
“Our friendly team see around 70 animals a day across our Yarrawonga and Cobram clinics, from family pets to large animals, where we deliver modern, professional and affordable healthcare for pets and animals across the region,” Ms Ross said.
“While medical equipment destined for surgeries in the hospital have strict use-by dates – veterinarian clinics are still able to put these supplies to good use. It means we don’t need to purchase them, and it keeps the hospital’s surgical supplies out of landfill.
“Whether it’s using Vicryl sutures, preparation pads or even saline – these donations will go to good use!”.
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Robin Haberecht, explains that improving the sustainability of the health service has benefits beyond the environment.
“We all know that organisations are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, whether that be with solar energy, electric vehicles or energy efficiency upgrades,” Ms Haberecht said.
“This is just one project that we are undertaking at Yarrawonga Health to reduce our emissions.
“Our recent fleet vehicle purchases are electric-hybrid Toyota Rav4’s, and we’re considering further sustainability opportunities in our $10.8 million theatre redevelopment as well as other sustainability projects across the organisation.”
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