Sustainability Advocate of the Year 2025
At Omnimed, we are committed to sustainability and to supporting the NHS in achieving its Net Zero targets. We also recognise that sustainability is a shared challenge that can only be addressed through close collaboration with our customers and suppliers.
Having seen how hard many of our customers are working towards Net Zero, we felt it was only right to give credit to the staff who are truly embracing these challenges and highlight their efforts to the wider clinical community. This led us to create Omnimed’s Sustainability Advocate of the Year Award, which also rewards the winner with a £100 donation to any one of four environmentally focused charities we feel really support the environment.
We are pleased to announce that Omnimed’s Sustainability Advocate of the Year Award 2025 has been awarded to Kayleigh Orr, Housekeeper at St Helen’s Hospital Endoscopy Unit.
Omnimed’s Commercial Manager, John Wood, said, “Omnimed created this award to further emphasise our commitment to Green Endoscopy and the Greener NHS National Ambition, as well as recognise individuals who align with both of those alongside the principles of our Greener Together initiative.”
John added, “We recognised how much Kayleigh was doing for Green Endoscopy, so wanted to highlight and reward her efforts as a role model for these initiatives.
Kayleigh contacts us to let us know what orders we can expect and tells us to hold on to any deliveries until we can deliver them all together, so we deliver the goods in one trip rather than multiple journeys, achieving a reduction of transport and related carbon impact.”
John spoke with Kayleigh about reducing waste, improving stock efficiency, and the role suppliers such as Omnimed play in supporting Greener Endoscopy goals. Let’s see what Kayleigh had to say about her work in making the Endoscopy Unit at St Helen’s so green it may make other units green with envy.
What inspired you to look at reducing waste and minimising deliveries?
“Sustainability has been part of the JAG accreditation process for several years, so it is very important for our unit to implement sustainable changes. We are proud to have upheld our JAG Accreditation Award in November 2025, and environmental responsibility forms part of that achievement.
Another key driver is the NHS commitment to becoming the world’s first net-zero health system by 2045. I try to look at ways to save the Trust money or go greener wherever possible. Forward planning stock levels and ensuring good rotation minimises waste produced on our unit and benefits the Trust overall.
The money and resources saved from reduced wastage can be used elsewhere to help others and to provide a quality, efficient service to all our users.”
What results have you achieved so far?
“By planning stock levels more efficiently, I believe we have reduced the amount of packaging used and received fewer deliveries. This directly helps our environment and contributes to reducing emissions associated with transport and waste.
I believe that these small changes all add up to the greater good. Every impact, no matter how big or small, will make a difference if you do it consistently.”
How did Omnimed assist you in making these changes, particularly in combining the advantages of ordering via supply chain whilst minimising deliveries and waste?
“Omnimed is an exemplary example of how a supplier should support its customers and contribute to Greener Endoscopy goals.
Their representatives have been highly efficient and responsive, with excellent communication. Whenever I have needed to speak to them, they have been polite and prompt. Ben (Eco Supply Chain Assistant) and Lisa (Supply Chain Analyst) are very efficient in their roles and have great communication skills.
After speaking to Ben and John on several occasions, it is very clear to see the company’s passion for going greener and how they are inspiring others, especially NHS hospitals, to follow suit. Their willingness to offer training and share knowledge has encouraged me to educate myself further in sustainability.”
What role does housekeeping play in sustainability, particularly in spotting inefficiencies?
“The role of housekeeping is very important, especially in identifying inefficiencies. Endoscopy units are highly resource-intensive environments.
As housekeepers, we need to prioritise correct waste segregation, look for opportunities to save energy, and ensure that equipment and resources are kept clean and in good working order.
Building strong relationships with waste management teams and porters is also essential, as they help us deliver part of our greener goals. Sustainability is a collective effort.”
How have the management team responded to these changes?
“As a unit, we are very committed to Green Endoscopy, and I am fortunate to work with managers who are excellent role models in this field.
Being green is not just about packaging, it is about mindset and how we work. Management promotes this ethos throughout policies and procedures, from the top down. They review the supply chain and explore whether products can be greener, whether through biodegradable materials, recyclability, or improved logistics.
This leadership has been vital in embedding sustainability into daily practice.”
Where have you seen the clearest improvements from suppliers?
“Many suppliers are making conscious efforts to improve packaging and transport efficiency in order to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Some are also exploring alternative materials in single-use items, such as PVC-free suction tubing. However, these innovations can sometimes come at a premium cost, which must be carefully balanced against departmental budgets.”
Are there areas where suppliers could do more?
“It would be beneficial for suppliers to explore recycling programmes for used single-use endoscopes and accessories. Endoscopy is one of the highest waste-generating departments, so reducing landfill contributions would have a significant impact.
Reusable and replacement products must also be of high quality so they do not tarnish or perish quickly. Sustainability must go hand-in-hand with durability. While budgets are always a consideration, sometimes the saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ is true, but the budget for the unit needs to be considered too and it is important to get the balance right.
Additionally, suppliers should ensure that the sustainability ethos extends to the other companies they work alongside. A truly green supply chain requires commitment at every level.”
What are your top tips for everyday actions that support NHS Green Endoscopy and wider Greener NHS goals?
“Small, consistent changes still create meaningful impact.
Implement robust stock control processes. Plan ahead. Rotate stock effectively. Work collaboratively with suppliers to reduce deliveries and minimise packaging.
Sustainability does not always require large-scale change. Often, it begins with everyday actions, repeated consistently, that collectively make a significant difference.”
Giving back to our wider environment
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the award and to advise that it is now proudly displayed on our going greener board.
It was very hard to make a decision between some of the charities Omnimed put forward as they all sound like they are making a difference. However, I would love to make a donation to The Woodland Trust. I feel that this trust resonates the most with me due to the fact that, as a family, myself, my husband, son and our dog Isla love spending time in nature during our free time.”
Looking ahead
John enthused, “Everyone at Omnimed would like to congratulate Kayleigh on this very well-earned reward. It really demonstrates the level of commitment to Green Endoscopy from Kayleigh and the team at St Helen’s Hospital. Our interview today shows how Kayleigh’s approach can be replicated in other units, especially with support from suppliers. Getting Greener Together really is achievable. Every positive change makes a difference.”
John explained, “During the Greener Together sessions we deliver in endoscopy units across the country, we regularly reference Kayleigh’s work as an example of how a proactive and relatively straightforward approach can deliver meaningful environmental benefits. No matter where they are in their journey to a Greener NHS, there are steps all hospitals can take, especially with support from suppliers such as Omnimed.”
Omnimed are keen to hear from any other Endoscopy Units who would like to share their own Green Endoscopy ideas or initiatives and see how we can help make their goals a reality. If you would like to share your story, or book one of our Greener Together sessions to see how Omnimed can support your hospital in working towards Green Endoscopy goals, email marketing@omnimed.co.uk.
This article is part of our Green Endoscopy series, where the Omnimed team share updates from our training events, knowledge sharing sessions and community activities focused on sustainable endoscopy. We are Greener Together.