KACC Adds SUDs to Expand Sustainability Program

By Mr. Danny L Paul Farley (Army Medicine)April 24, 2017

KACC Adds SUDs to Expand Sustainability Program
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FORT MEADE, MD (Apr. 06, 2017)
U.S. Army Soldier, PV2 Jontae Stewart, operating room specialist (left) assists as Pfc. Tyler Carpenter, operating room technician, places a used medical device inside a collection container for rep... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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KACC Adds SUDs to Expand Sustainability Program
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FORT MEADE, MD (Apr. 06, 2017)
U.S. Army Soldier, PV2 Jontae Stewart, operating room specialist (left) assists as Pfc. Tyler Carpenter, operating room technician, places a used medical device inside a collection container for rep... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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On Apr. 06, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center's (KACC) same day surgery clinic added single-use device (SUDs) reprocessing to the command's expanding sustainability program.

The reprocessing of SUDs is now common practice in many operating rooms. Included in reprocessing is the practice of a third-party vendor collecting, inspecting, cleaning, function testing, sterilizing and packaging so that they can be clinically and safely used again.

For this environmental effort KACC began partnering with SUD reprocessing vendor, Stryker Sustainability Solutions, headquartered in Lakeland, Fla.

Maj. Derral Prowant, KACC Chief of Operative Services, described the SUDs initiative as "an opportunity for us to partner with some of our vendors with Green initiatives. We have medical supplies that qualify for this program for both reprocessing and recycling and we would like to decrease what goes into our landfills. Ultimately we would like to decrease our medical waste footprint as we strive to become part of a more sustainable community."

Devices are collected utilizing Stryker's collection containers placed in convenient usage areas and are regularly shipped by Stryker staff to their reprocessing facility.

At the reprocessing facility, contents are sorted to separate devices that can be reprocessed from devices that cannot. Devices are cleaned, disassembled and parts individually inspected. Once rebuilt, devices are inspected and function tested based on validated processes. Most devices are then sterilized, repackaged, labeled, and made available for re-purchase at reduced prices.

The SUDs program can significantly reduce supply expenses without compromising quality or safety, allowing funds to be reinvested in patient care initiatives.

Prowant said "It is a proud moment to be part of this sustainability movement that is bigger than ourselves. Just like the larger medical treatment facilities, we are proud to be able to do our part."

Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center is a large primary care and surgical center located at Fort George G. Meade, Md. KACC provides comprehensive primary and specialty care and ancillary and administrative services to more than 25,000 beneficiaries.

"As health care providers, sustainability is at the core of our healing mission and central to protecting the health of our patients, staff and community," said Col. Daniel G. Bonnichsen, Commander, Medical Department Activity and Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center. "We take pride in our sustainability programs and the positive impacts they have on the environment and the communities we serve."

U.S. Army Medical Command announced on Apr. 18 that Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center is among Practice Greenhealth 2017 winners of the Partner for Change (PfC) Award. The PfC Award recognizes healthcare facilities that have implemented a significant number of environmental programs, and continuously improve and expand upon these programs on the path to sustainability.