Davies Veterinary Specialists, which in 2018 became the first veterinary practice to get Investors in the Environment (iiE) accreditation, is now working with a leading clinical waste management company to reduce sharps injuries and waste, and share what they learn with the rest of the profession.

According to Davies, Sharpsmart is the world’s safest and most environmentally responsible sharps and clinical waste management system, proven to:

• Protect staff and patients by reducing sharps injuries by a minimum of 25% in year 1
• Reduce associated CO2 emissions by as much as 95%
• Dramatically reduce the use of single use plastics
• Remove clinical waste from the patient environment
• Reduce sharps disposal costs by an average of 30%
• Reduce total sharps management costs by up to 15%

Ellie West, anaesthetist at Davies and Green Group leader said: "We are really excited to have the opportunity to be the first veterinary centre to be working with Sharpsmart and are already seeing great results in carbon reduction and we look forward to sharing our results later in 2019."

Adrian Giles, Total Waste Program Manager for Sharpsmart added: "Working with Davies has enabled us to showcase our safety engineered sharps system in a new and exciting arena where sharps safety and sustainability are a priority.

"The transition to Sharpsmart was seamless and was completed across the centre in a day without any challenges. Face-to-face training was provided to staff along with touch point education material. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Davies over the coming months and years."

As part of its green drive, Davies will be hosting 'Sustainability CPD' for referring vets on May 2^nd 2019 at its HQ in Higham Gobion, Hertforshire.

Ellie West said: "Run by the Sustainability Leads at DVS, this evening aims to increase your carbon literacy, explore the challenges and barriers to improving sustainability in your daily practice and find some positive solutions to implement sustainability. The challenges which we have faced at DVS will be explored, along with the co-benefits of sustainability to our business, and useful resources to help your practice to be more environmentally friendly and resilient will be highlighted."

You can book your place here https://vetspecialists.co.uk/events/davies-first-sustainability-cpd-for-referring-vets/ or contact Ellie.West@vetspecialists.co.uk if you are interested in attending or would like more information.

Davies has also produced a suite of Waste Segregation Posters which are proving popular with their referring practices. You can find out more and view the posters here https://vetspecialists.co.uk/sustainability/sustainability-initiatives-at-davies-your-questions-answered/.

For more information or to receive print ready PDFs, contact marketing@vetspecialists.co.uk

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.