At a time when sustainability and cost-effectiveness are paramount, the healthcare sector is under increasing pressure to innovate. One such innovation that is continuing to gain traction is the Stericurtain, an antibacterial, wipeable hospital curtain that’s proving to be far more economical than traditional disposable options – and significantly more sustainable.

For nearly a decade, Yewdale has been at the forefront of providing Stericurtains to NHS trusts. However, in recent years, these revolutionary offerings have really started to capture the attention of decision-makers. As NHS trusts strive for a zero-waste goal by 2040 – and an 80% reduction by 2032 – the Stericurtain has emerged as a compelling alternative to disposable polypropylene curtains. These are commonly used in inpatient and outpatient settings today, as well as in surgical theatres.

The financial impact: savings over time

Many NHS trusts currently rely on disposable curtains due to their perceived ease of use, familiarity, and belief that they can help meet reduction targets for infections like MRSA and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Unfortunately, there is minimal real-world evidence of notable benefits in terms of patient safety, which means there is little justification for the high ongoing costs of disposables. 

We are certainly not the first to think this way, and a number of NHS trusts are already beginning to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of their curtains. Interestingly, one trust estimated that they would be able to save approximately £500,000 over a 10-year period by replacing 1900 disposable in-patient bed curtains with a wipe-clean Stericurtain, along with additional savings of around £4000 by eradicating 12,000 kg of waste. The financial benefits are clear, and in making the switch, trusts can redirect these savings towards patient care and other essential improvements and services. 

Sustainability matters

Along with cost savings, the environmental impact of reusable, wipeable curtains in healthcare settings cannot be overlooked. Each time a curtain is disposed of, it contributes to landfill waste. This is becoming a growing concern for NHS trusts committed to reducing their ecological footprint. With Stericurtains, hospitals can significantly reduce waste thanks to their wipeable, reusable nature. 

By shifting to Stericurtains, trusts are making major strides towards achieving their sustainability goals while aligning with the NHS's overarching ambition to be the world’s first net zero national health service by 2040. With an interim target of achieving an 80% reduction in carbon emissions between 2028 and 2032, the urgency of adopting solutions that minimise waste is now critical.

Prioritising usability

Some might wonder why trusts initially opted for disposable curtains. When implementing solutions, it's essential to consider the perspectives of those who will be using them daily. The answer often lies in the perceived convenience: they are easy to hang and change, which is a significant consideration for those working in busy hospital environments. However, as the evidence mounts regarding the effectiveness of Stericurtains, the narrative is slowly but surely beginning to shift.

In a recent evaluation by an NHS trust looking to embrace more modern solutions, 78% of staff expressed satisfaction with the ease of hanging and cleaning Stericurtains, along with the level of privacy they provide. Impressively, 100% were pleased with the opening and closing mechanism, indicating both that these curtains are practical, and that they enhance the user experience.

Of course, linen curtains have been proposed as another alternative, but they come with notable challenges that limit their impact. They tend to be heavy, complicating the changing process. They can lose shape during laundry cycles, creating logistical headaches for hospital staff. In contrast, Stericurtains are lightweight, easy to manage, and can be quickly wiped down between uses, leading to time savings for housekeeping staff and simple, straightforward usage for healthcare workers. 

Addressing modern healthcare challenges

Switching to Stericurtains is not just a trend; it represents a thoughtful approach to modern healthcare challenges. As NHS trusts continue to prioritise waste reduction and cost savings, the Stericurtain stands out as a forward-thinking alternative that aligns with broader sustainability goals.

Here at Yewdale, we deeply understand the complex and evolving needs of the healthcare industry. In providing the Stericurtain, we’re working closely alongside NHS trusts to help them save money, reduce waste, and create a cleaner, more efficient environment for both patients and staff.

For more information on how Yewdale's Stericurtains can benefit your NHS trust, please reach out and chat with our team. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future in healthcare.