Driving Sustainable Change in Busy Operating Theatres: Somerset’s Success Story

Operating theatres are among the busiest and most high-pressure environments in any hospital. Staff work tirelessly to deliver exceptional care, often with little time or headspace to engage with new projects, especially those that require changes to established processes and operations.

Yet, despite these challenges, the Trauma & Orthopaedics team at Somerset NHS Trust has successfully implemented a sustainability-focused innovation that could pave the way for other hospitals across the UK.

Commercial Laundering

With expert support from Martin Davidson, Services & Solutions Manager at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the Somerset team introduced centrally laundered reusable scrub hats with detachable name badges- an initiative designed to improve communication, reduce waste, and enhance patient connection.

Martin worked closely with the team to run a diagnostic, build a tailored implementation plan, and support the change management process. This collaboration was part of a wider sustainability initiative and was made possible through the national value voucher scheme, available via framework contracts.

This funding mechanism enabled the team to transition without financial strain, demonstrating how strategic partnerships and national schemes can unlock innovation.

A key enabler of success was the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This SOP not only guided Somerset’s internal processes, including the systematic laundering of hats onsite but also created a blueprint for other hospitals to follow.

To further support scalability, Synergy Laundering Services recently completed successful wash testing of the reusable hats, confirming they withstand HTM01-04 wash parameters. This means hospitals already using Synergy or Elis to launder their scrubs can also include hat collection, washing, and delivery as part of their existing service.

Additionally, Johnson & Johnson laundry services have approved the hats for washing and confirmed they will provide a full laundering solution for hospitals, including collection, washing, and delivery back to theatres. This removes a major barrier for hospitals without internal laundry facilities and ensures that the initiative is accessible across a wide range of NHS settings.

Somerset’s story is a powerful example of what can be achieved when clinical teams are supported with the right tools, funding, and expertise. It shows that even in the busiest departments, sustainable change is possible and that with collaboration, innovation can thrive.

#Driving Sustainable Change