Our Roadmap to 2030Successfully piloted an innovative reusable scrub cap solution that enhances team communications, boosts patient experience and delivers measurable environment and financial benefits.
Sustainable Scrub Hats
Eco Ninjas pilot, which ran over six weeks throughout three theatres, focused on introducing reusable scrub hats with detachable name badges. Designed for long term use in operating theatres, the initiative aimed to improve communication in fast-paced clinical environments.
Traditional identification methods such as ID badges and lanyards are often hidden under sterile growns and lead aprons, contributing to miscommunication and delays within theatres. By clearly displaying names and roles on scrub hats, staff recognition increased from 41% to 96%, improving teamwork and responsiveness, essential during emergencies. With patients also reporting feeling more reassured when they could easily identify their care team.
Sustainability and Cost Impact
Switching from single use disposable caps to reusable badge hats has delivered signifiant environmental and budgetary advantages. Aligning with the NHS’s Net Zero ambitions by cutting waste and emission while maintaining strict infection control through central laundering.
- 19,550 disposable caps avoided annually across the three theatres, preventing the equivalent of 1,712.9 kg CO₂e from being emitted.
- 48 % cost savings projected over three years, with estimated savings of £1,289 per year and £3,868 overall including badge costs
Looking Ahead
The positive response to the Theatre Badge Hats pilot supports its permanent adoption at Musgrove Park Hospital and potential wider rollout across the NHS. By improving communication, sustainability and inclusivity, the initiative offers a scalable, cost-effective solution that enhances patients experience, support and contributes to safer, greener surgical care. With staff co-design and responsive feedback providing the key to its success.
