Transcripts from interviews on sustainability in the NHS

Thirteen NHS organisations participated. A common implementation structure emerged involving procurement teams, clinical leads, infection prevention and control (IPC), and decontamination services. Approval processes typically required clinical protocols, risk assessments, and senior leadership sign-off.

Despite successful pilot initiatives, permanent adoption was often hindered by staff turnover, unclear governance, and financial hesitancy. Key barriers included the absence of a standardised implementation framework, limited leadership engagement, insufficient training, capital constraints, and inadequate infrastructure. Fragmented procurement systems and poor visibility of reusable options within NHS Supply Chain catalogues further impeded uptake.

Risk perceptions within IPC teams varied widely across organisations. In conclusion, system-level leadership, governance, and infrastructure must be strengthened to support the transition to reusable medical products. A flexible, standardised implementation framework aligned with NHS quality improvement structures is needed.

The role of patients and the public in this transition remains underexplored.</p>