New sustainable water technology for hospital kitchens
Date published: 12 Feb 2024
Author: Kylie Sammut
A new environmentally friendly and clinically safe replacement for cleaning chemicals has been introduced in HealthShare NSW kitchens at public hospitals as part of NSW Health’s ongoing commitment to improving sustainability within the health system.
A free-flowing supply of biodegradable electrolysed water will replace synthetic chemical-based cleaning and sanitising products in more than 160 public hospitals across NSW over the next three years, providing a more sustainable and efficient cleaning alternative.
Medical Director of NSW Health’s Climate and Risk Net Zero Unit, Dr Kate Charlesworth, said the technology is a meaningful change that will replace the need to rely on cleaning chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.
“This change demonstrates our commitment to NSW Health’s Future Health Framework, to deliver an environmentally sustainable footprint for future health care,” Dr Charlesworth said.
In an Australian first, NSW Health’s shared services provider HealthShare NSW has formed a partnership with eWater Systems to supply onsite generators in kitchens that produce sanitising and cleaning solutions using electrolysed water technology.
The onsite generation technology uses just salt, water and electricity to produce sustainable cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting solutions that are suitable for many purposes.
Chief Executive Carmen Rechbauer said the organisation has been working hard to find new and innovative ways to further reduce their environmental footprint, while adhering to the stringent cleaning activities that are necessary for staff and patient safety.
“By using eWater Systems’ technology, we can reduce the risk of adverse environmental impacts of using chemicals, take better care of hospital infrastructure and equipment, and create a more efficient service,” Ms Rechbauer said.
The disinfectant is the only one of its kind registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a hospital grade disinfectant and the sanitiser is HACCP certified as food safe. Both products are Organic Certified.
eWater Systems founder Phil Gregory said the partnership with Healthshare NSW is a giant step toward realising a future where toxic chemicals are replaced with safer, more sustainable alternatives.
“It is anticipated when fully implemented the new technology will result in the annual replacement of over 2 million litres of chemicals and a reduction of hundreds of thousands of single use plastic packs across NSW Health. The impact on our waterways and marine life and reduced landfill will be significant, now, and for generations to come.”
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