Health Innovation Hub Ireland launches first GreenTech @ HIHI sustainable healthcare pilot study

Healthcare contributes 4.4% to global greenhouse gas emissions. Ireland currently ranks as a major emitter (between 0.5 and 1 million t) when compared to other countries. There is a growing need to reduce healthcare emissions in order to reduce Ireland’s impact on the global carbon footprint.

In line with the HSE’s objectives to ‘reduce the impact of climate change and promote greener approaches to health practices’ one of HIHI’s focus areas is on alternatives and improvements to single use products within healthcare.

In response, HIHI today launches it’s first GreenTech sustainable healthcare pilot study with Ecco Spray Ltd. The product, POCUS Spray is CE approved for use in healthcare and designed to be an alternative, more sustainable ultrasound medium to be used across a range of ultrasound services. HIHI supported a technical evaluation of the product in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) as well as collecting anonymised feedback from clinicians. POCUS Spray is a water-based spray stored in a 50 ml spray bottle. The spray averages 18 examinations per 50ml bottle with no requirement for paper towels post exam as the spray naturally evaporates after 4-5 minutes. This attribute also leaves no residue on the probe head. Overall waste is reduced with less bottles, paper towels and less plastics.

Explore the full case study here https://hih.ie/downloads/case-studies/HIHI-case-study_GreenTech.pdf

Coming soon to GreenTech @ HIHI
In Autumn this year watch out for HIHI’s first GreenTech sustainable healthcare call competition.
Stay tuned for details and how to apply!