In 2021, 9,500-plus hospitals and surgical centers benefitted from medical device reprocessing to help save single-use instruments from going into landfills. In honor of Earth Day, Medline is recognizing The University of Kansas Health System for their commitment toward helping protect the environment through medical device reprocessing.

Last year, The University of Kansas Health System reprocessed more than 14,000 medical instruments and diverted 6,911 pounds of medical device waste from landfills through Medline’s medical device reprocessing program, Medline ReNewal. To honor the academic health system’s reprocessing milestone, Medline ReNewal recently presented the University of Kansas Health System with the Gold 2022 Environmental Sustainability Award.

“Over the last year, we really focused on expanding our product portfolio for reprocessing, concentrated on collections and creating strong partnerships with physicians and clinical staff using these products,” said Chris Heath, system director, clinical supply chain optimization, The University of Kansas Health System. “Environmental sustainability is important to our health system, and the success of this program demonstrates our commitment to both patients and the communities we serve.”

A ‘win-win for our customers and the environment’

For more than 20 years, Medline ReNewal has been innovating medical device reprocessing from its home-base in Redmond, Oregon. Utilizing FDA-regulated processes and rigorous device testing standards, Medline ReNewal takes single-use devices (SUDs) that clinicians typically throw away and restores them to like-new condition. Medline reprocesses devices across areas like orthopedic; ear, nose and throat (ENT); general/urology; ophthalmology and cardiac catheterization. In 2022, Medline ReNewal collected more than 7.4 million medical devices and diverted 1.1 million pounds of waste from landfills.

“We currently work with more than 2,000 facilities on medical device reprocessing and appreciate our continued partnership with The University of Kansas Health System,” said Joe Pascuzzi, director of account management, Medline ReNewal. “By extending the life of medical devices through our reprocessing methods, we are reducing the amount of waste generated by healthcare facilities and conserving valuable resources. This is a win-win situation for our customers and the environment, and we are thrilled to be a part of the solution.”

Another key driver of medical device reprocessing programs is cost savings. Using reprocessed medical devices can lower medical device costs for healthcare organizations by up to 50% while maintaining the quality providers depend upon to provide patient care. Last year, The University of Kansas Health System saved an estimated $1.2 million through reprocessing.

Learn more about how Medline is helping customers reprocess single use medical devices.