Driving Sustainable Change in Healthcare: Highlights from AfPP’s Summer Conference

AfPP Summer Conference, Warwick.

As the UK experiences an unprecedented heatwave, a clear consequence of climate change, it serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for sustainable action across all sectors, including healthcare.

At Eco Ninjas, we are committed to transforming the culture of disposability in healthcare by promoting reusable solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving communication and patient safety.

Last week, we had the privilege of attending the AfPP Summer Conference at the University of Warwick. The scale of the event was impressive, and we were thrilled by the enthusiastic response to our badge hats, with long queues forming throughout the day. The conversations we had were insightful, and it was clear that our message resonated deeply with attendees about Driving Sustainable Change in Healthcare.

Badge Hats: A Simple Innovation with Powerful Impact

One of the most discussed topics at the conference was the comparison between badge hats and traditional embroidered hats. Our badge hats offer a range of benefits:

• Improved communication among healthcare teams

• Enhanced patient safety through clear identification

• Centralised laundering, similar to scrubs, which removes the need for staff to wash hats at home

Every delegate received a sample badge hat to wear and share with colleagues and hospital leaders. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many experiencing moments of clarity as they realised the broader implications of this simple yet effective innovation.

Insights from Mr Andrew Stevenson

A highlight of the event was the keynote presentation by Mr Andrew Stevenson, Co-chair of Sustainability in Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons. He shared the transformative impact of implementing badge hats in his hospital, noting significant improvements in communication and patient experience.

“Sustainable change does not just come with an environmental benefit. We have received over 600 comments from patients saying how fantastic it is knowing who they are talking to.”

“It is not an either or, it is an and. Sustainable healthcare and excellent healthcare often go hand in hand.”

Neil Draper talking about Eco Ninajs name and role badge hats.

Mr Andrew Stevenson talking about Eco Ninjas name and role reusable theatre hats.

A group of hospital staff at the Afpp summer conference 20258

Mr Stevenson’s team has been using badge hats in their theatre department since March, with students and visitors also adopting them. The results speak for themselves: clearer communication, happier patients, and a more sustainable approach to healthcare attire.

Supporting Hospitals Across the UK

We are excited to support more hospitals across the UK in adopting badge hats. Our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Case Study are available to help guide implementation and demonstrate the value of this change.

A heartfelt thank you to the AfPP for their belief in our product and for inviting us to collaborate at such a meaningful event. Their support, along with the enthusiastic feedback from delegates nationwide, has been incredibly rewarding.

Stay cool and stay sustainable

If you are interested in implementing badge hats in your trust, please contact us. We would be delighted to help.