BAUS Talks: Beyond the Cystoscope

BAUS Sustainability | Reuse of surgical equipment via Medi Tech Trust

British Association of Urological Surgeons

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In this episode of the BAUS sustainability series, we explore how the urology community can play a meaningful role in reducing clinical waste, while improving global access to care.

We’re joined by Joanna Cooper from Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, who shares her first-hand experience of working with the Medi Tech Trust to collect, organise and redistribute unused – and often expired – medical equipment to healthcare providers in low-resource settings.

Joanna discusses the practical challenges of coordinating donations across her specific Trust, from identifying surplus stock to ensuring safe and appropriate distribution overseas. She also highlights the significant environmental and ethical benefits of diverting usable equipment from landfill and giving it a second life where it’s urgently needed.

Looking ahead, Joanna makes a compelling case for wider participation across the NHS, encouraging more Trusts to embed sustainable donation pathways into their operations. With the right coordination, she explains, small local efforts can translate into a substantial global impact.

This episode offers valuable insight for clinicians, managers and sustainability leads interested in reducing waste, supporting global health equity, and driving change through simple, scalable initiatives.