NHS printing

Sustainable Printing Practices in the NHS: Paving the Way to a Greener Healthcare Future

As the NHS strives to become the world's first net zero national health service, every aspect of healthcare delivery is under scrutiny for its environmental impact. One area with significant potential for improvement is printing practices. Lexmark is at the forefront of providing eco-friendly printing solutions for healthcare organisations that not only reduce the carbon footprint of NHS trusts but also drive operational efficiencies and cost savings.

The healthcare sector, by its very nature, is paper-intensive. From patient records and prescriptions to administrative documents, the volume of printing in NHS facilities is substantial. This high paper usage not only contributes to deforestation but also results in increased energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions.

Traditional printing practices in healthcare settings often involve:

  • Excessive paper consumption
  • High energy usage from inefficient printers
  • Wasteful use of ink and toner
  • Improper disposal of printing supplies and equipment

These practices are not only environmentally unsustainable but also place a significant financial burden on NHS trusts already grappling with budget constraints.

Lexmark's Sustainable Printing Solutions

Recognising the urgent need for change, Lexmark has developed a comprehensive suite of sustainable printing solutions tailored for healthcare environments. These solutions address the environmental challenges while simultaneously improving operational efficiency and data security in healthcare settings.

Energy-Efficient Printers and Consumables

Lexmark's latest generation of printers are designed with energy efficiency at their core. Features such as:

  • Instant-on technology that reduces power consumption during idle periods
  • Automatic duplex printing to reduce paper usage
  • Energy-saving modes that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards

These innovations significantly reduce the energy footprint of printing operations across NHS facilities.

Reducing Paper Usage with Digital Alternatives

While complete digitalisation of healthcare records is an ongoing process, Lexmark offers solutions to bridge the gap between paper and digital workflows:

  • Point of Care Scanning: Enables direct digitisation of patient documents at the point of care, reducing the need for multiple paper copies.
  • Advanced Output Management: Streamlines document workflows, reducing unnecessary printing and improving information accessibility.

These solutions not only reduce paper consumption but also enhance the efficiency of clinical workflows, ultimately improving patient care.

Recycling and Responsible Disposal of Printer Supplies

Lexmark's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the use phase of its products. Included in our suite of sustainable printing services includes comprehensive recycling programmes for toner cartridges, imaging units and entire printer devices at end-of-life.

By partnering with Lexmark, NHS trusts can ensure that their printing supplies are disposed of responsibly, minimising landfill waste and supporting a circular economy.

Case Study: Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust

The implementation of Lexmark's sustainable printing solutions at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust (LWH) demonstrates the tangible benefits of this approach. By adopting Lexmark's Managed Print Services, LWH achieved:

  • A 30% reduction in total devices
  • A 70% reduction in print-related spend
  • A 20% reduction in overall print volumes

These results not only represent significant cost savings but also a substantial reduction in the trust's environmental impact.

Beyond Environmental Benefits

While the environmental advantages are clear, the benefits of sustainable printing practices extend far beyond ecological considerations:

  • Cost Savings: Reduced paper, energy, and consumables usage translates to lower operational costs.
  • Enhanced Security: Modern, efficient printers offer advanced security features, protecting sensitive patient data.
  • Improved Workflow: Streamlined printing processes contribute to more efficient healthcare delivery.
  • Staff Satisfaction: Employees increasingly value working for environmentally responsible organisations.

A Greener NHS Through Sustainable Printing

As the NHS continues its journey towards net zero, sustainable printing practices will play a crucial role, and the time for action is now. With innovative solutions readily available, there's no reason for NHS trusts to delay in adopting more sustainable printing practices. By embracing these technologies, the healthcare sector can lead by example, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can go hand in hand.

For NHS trusts looking to embark on this journey, Lexmark offers not just products, but a comprehensive partnership approach. From initial assessment and implementation to ongoing optimisation and support, Lexmark is committed to helping the NHS achieve its sustainability goals, one print at a time.

Sustainable printing practices are not just an environmental imperative but a strategic opportunity for the NHS. By leveraging innovative solutions from partners like Lexmark, trusts can make significant strides towards a greener, more efficient future in healthcare delivery.

Image credit: iStock

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