Green Dialysis

Dialysis is a resource-hungry medical therapy … in particular, the volumes of water, the demand for power, and the mountains of generated plastic waste that are central to its’ delivery. This applies, whether dialysis is delivered in a facility (= 65% of all ANZ dialysis) , or in the home (= 35% of all ANZ dialysis).

This site attempts to address these issues.

It seeks ways to save water.
It offers options for alternative power.
It considers options in waste management.
It even dreams of building re-design.

While this site originally arose from the ‘green experience’ of the renal service at Barwon Health in Geelong, Victoria, it is now accruing a national flavour with the support of key national renal and dialysis bodies … the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology, the Renal Society of Australasia, Kidney Health Australia, and Kidney Health New Zealand.

We encourage you to delve into the site … and ‘turn your dialysis green’.

The whole world is subject to environmental problems, and the field of renal care is no exception. For some time now, renal unit managers have been considering strategies on how to save energy, and ensure effective hazardous waste management and reasonable water consumption. The implementation of energy-saving strategies is crucial as high levels of water use, the creation of increasing quantities of hazardous waste, and high energy consumption have serious ecological and
economic impacts.

(Editor’s preface: Environmental Guidelines for Dialysis – A Practical Guide to Reduce the Environmental Burden of Dialysis)
Jitka Pancirová, EDTNA/ERCA Executive Director, Prague & Jürgen Kastl, Senior Marketing Manager CHD, Fresenius Medical Care, Hong KongEditors of the Environmental Guidelines for Dialysis. A Practical Guide to Reduce the Environmental Burden of Dialysis
Anthony Perkins and his team have lead the way in Australia for green nephrology by combining experience as a nurse with understanding of the necessity for change to create a sustainable future. greendialysis.org is a great website for all the key stakeholders involved and will really help everyone to take positive practical steps to save resources. The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare is collaborating with the Barwon Health Renal Team on how best to engage healthcare professionals and the health industry in making sustainable practice the norm.
Rachel StancliffeFounder and Director of Centre for Sustainable Healthcare
We do dialysis in the most remote desert regions of Australia. Water and power are precious and expensive. The need for dialysis in community is growing. Anything we can do to reduce waste, recycle and use our resources helps us and helps the community. It helps with community well being all up!
Sarah BrownCEO of the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corp Inc (WDNWPT), Australia
Every year in the US, more than 115,000 people start dialysis. It’s past time for us to be thinking about the impact of these treatments on the planet-and to seek practical ways to lower costs, use less water and power, and do a better job of reducing and managing the medical wastes. Dr. Agar and his team in Geelong, Australia are global thought leaders in field of Green Dialysis. Their experience, and this website, offer a desperately-needed signpost for sustainable dialysis both in the home and in clinics.

We at Home Dialysis Central are delighted to endorse this website, and we encourage others to do the same!
Dori Schatell, MSExecutive Director, Medical Education Institute, Inc.
The ANMF (Vic branch) congratulates Barwon Health dialysis nurses and medical staff who have taken the lead in delivering environmentally sustainable healthcare to dialysis patients.

Anthony Perkins from the Home Dialysis Support team has been a great source of inspiration to Victorian nurses and midwives demonstrating his commitment to adopt healthy practices that are better for patients, the environment and save valuable health dollars.

The ANMF encourages nurses to connect with this inspiring team and take advantage of the Green Dialysis website, a fantastic tool and information source.

Thanks Tony and your team for your efforts in committing to make a difference.
Lisa FitzpatrickState Secretary, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch)

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The Possibilities Are Endless……..
A potential use for dialysis plastics. Plastic waste is an environmental issue worldwide. While great lengths go to recycle and reuse "high value" plastic, much... Learn More
1508

An interesting article on the anticipated effects of climate change in the UK
Our fellow green health enthusiasts in the UK at The Centre of Sustainable Healthcare have posted a new analysis of the anticipated effects of climate change... Learn More
1506

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of hospital based care
Charlie Tomson, consultant nephrologist in the UK, has written a great article on the need for reform in hospital funding and structure to improve sustainable... Learn More

Home Dialysis

Dialysis Facilities

How to go Green

Green Dialysis

The Possibilities Are Endless……..

An interesting article on the anticipated effects of climate change in the UK

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of hospital based care