Spreading Sustainability with the Gloves Off Campaign

The Gloves Off campaign, initiated in Wales by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAV UHB), addresses the critical issue of excessive glove usage in NHS Wales. This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions while promoting better hand hygiene and patient care. The project has gained significant traction, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the CAVUHB Shaping Change team, the Critical Care Directorate, and the NHS Executive.

In response to the climate emergency declared in Wales in 2019 and the subsequent legislation mandating net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, CAV UHB committed to ambitious decarbonisation strategies. The Gloves Off campaign emerged as a key initiative to reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare practices, specifically targeting the excessive use of gloves.

The primary goal of the Gloves Off project is to reduce glove usage in Cardiff and Vale UHB by 10% by May 2026. This reduction aims to achieve significant environmental, financial, social, and clinical benefits.

The Spread & Scale Academy played a pivotal role in the success of the Gloves Off project. The team attended the Climate Emergency Spread & Scale Academy in November 2024, which was specially commissioned by Welsh Government to support projects working on decarbonisation in healthcare. The academy provided a platform for the project team to take their ambition to a national level, learning from successful campaigns across the UK, such as those at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), Wirral Foundation Trust, and Manchester Foundation Trust.

The project began with the formation of a Critical Care prototype team, comprising quality and safety experts, infection prevention and control (IP&C) specialists, procurement officers, clinical staff, and educators. With the leadership and guidance of Shaping Change. this diverse team conducted root cause analysis, audits, observations, and a staff survey to understand the underlying issues driving excessive glove use.

The staff survey, which gathered over 400 responses, revealed significant misunderstandings about appropriate glove use. Factors such as fear of judgment, risk of infection, and behavioural changes since COVID-19 contributed to the problem. The data highlighted the need for a behavioural change campaign focused on education and clear guidelines.

Chloe Chettleburgh of the Shaping Change team, alongside the Critical Care Directorate, led the design of the campaign assets. Taking lessons from the Spread & Scale Academy in raising awareness, building will and transferring skill, Chloe developed comprehensive communication materials, including posters, social media assets, a detailed Gloves Off guide, and a dedicated SharePoint site. These materials were informed by insights from the prototype and adhered to policies and standards of the Health Board.

The Gloves Off Action Group, formed to guide the campaign, included representatives from various departments. The group's efforts led to a successful funding bid, enabling the provision of campaign materials to all Welsh Health Boards. The NHS Executive played a crucial role in expanding the initiative nationally, with resources made available in December 2024 for each health board to implement a campaign using Shaping Change’s assets locally.

The early outcomes of the Gloves Off campaign are promising: 192 fewer boxes of gloves used, equating to 19,200 fewer gloves; a reduction of approximately 500kg CO2e; an 83kg reduction in plastic waste; a forecasted £9,000 saving for 2024/25; and consistent hand hygiene audit scores at 80% compliance.

Staff feedback has been positive, with many expressing increased awareness of appropriate glove use and improved hand hygiene practices. Quotes from staff highlight the project's impact on their daily routines and the importance of promoting the initiative across the health board.

Rhys Roberts, Head of All-Wales Nurse Staffing Programme, NHS Executive said: ‘The CAV UHB Gloves Off campaign has helped forge a path for a national approach to Gloves Off across NHS Wales.  Being one of the first HBs in Wales to tackle this campaign, their efforts have helped mould an approach that other HBs can follow, providing valuable direction and inspiration to the national ambition for a Gloves Off campaign.  The adoption of CAV UHBs promotional materials and Gloves Safety Guide on a national basis has supported Spread and Scale and helped reinforce a united front in tackling plastic waste across NHS Wales.’

Building on the success of the prototypes and pilots, a Health Board-wide campaign launch is planned for World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May 2025. The launch will be supported by a comprehensive communication strategy and the establishment of a network of Gloves Off champions to drive engagement and ownership.

The Gloves Off project exemplifies the power of collaboration and learning in driving sustainable healthcare practices. The contributions of the Spread and Scale Academy, the Shaping Change team, and the Critical Care Directorate have been instrumental in the project's success. By reducing unnecessary glove usage, the Gloves Off initiative not only supports CAV UHB's decarbonisation goals but also enhances patient safety and staff wellbeing.