Innovative new Safe Clean Box product delivers sustainable innovation in hospital device reprocessing

Health Innovation Hub Ireland is proud to spotlight the success of MedFirst Supplies, one of the winners of the Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI), HSE, and Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) GreenTech in Healthcare 2024 call for sustainable healthcare solutions.

The Safe Clean Box, developed by BICARmed and distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland by MedFirst Supplies, is transforming how reusable invasive medical devices are pre-cleaned in hospitals.

Traditional cleaning methods for reusable invasive medical devices are labour-intensive and require significant amounts of energy, water, and personal protective equipment (PPE). They also depend on enzymatic detergents, which carry environmental and cost implications.

The Safe Clean Box introduces a smarter, safer, and greener way to work. The closed-cabin system uses a pedal-controlled flow of biodegradable sodium bicarbonate beads, air, and water to clean instruments, eliminating aerosol risks and reducing manual handling for staff.

At Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, where Dr. Trevor Duffy led the clinical evaluation, the impact has been remarkable.

Clinicians found the Safe Clean Box ergonomic, easy to use, and much safer than traditional cleaning processes. The system replaces wet, manual scrubbing with a closed, automated flow process — improving safety, increasing efficiency, and reducing the risk of sharps injuries.

The results:

• 1,200 litres of water saved per day
• 82% reduction in energy use compared to ultrasonic cleaners
• 40 minutes saved each day in cleaning time – equivalent to 160 hours per year
• €20,000 annual savings in reduced PPE use
• €8,661.50 annual savings from reduced use of wire brushes

Additionally, the Safe Clean Box also helps reduce time spent resolving non-conformances such as re-cleaning and administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus more on patient care.

The case study is a clear example of sustainability in action in healthcare in Ireland. By using biodegradable sodium bicarbonate instead of chemical detergents, the Safe Clean Box supports the circular economy and aligns directly with hospital sustainability goals. It’s a clear example of how environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand with clinical excellence and cost savings.

Collaboration was key to delivering the successful outcome of this case study. The Safe Clean Box pilot is part of HIHI’s mission to accelerate the adoption of innovations that make healthcare more efficient and sustainable.  The testimonial from the company speaks for itself. “We are delighted to have showcased the benefits of the BiCarMed technology to  Irish health experts. We are a big believer in sustainability in the healthcare sector. It is with this in mind that we thank and salute the great work of HIHI Greentech in healthcare for their commitment to sustainable solutions and their work to achieve this.”

Read the full case study here https://hih.ie/downloads/case-studies/HIHI-case-study_SC-Box-Green.pdf