The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare was lucky enough to be awarded funding at 10:10's Pitch Pledge Party event back in October. We got the money for our work in kidney units where we retrofit heat exchangers on inefficient dialysis machines. It's all pretty technical but each upgraded unit uses a hefty 20% less energy.

Since the event, we've been getting in contact with hospitals who have the old type of machine that could do with retrofit kits. We have already received calls from 12 kidney units and have been able to send them the detailed case study which outlines how much money and carbon they could save and also gives them a step by step guide to making the change. Fraser Campbell, the renal technician who did the original case study, has made a very useful Powerpoint which helps kidney units sell the idea to hospital management.

We have also been working with Braun, the company that manufactures the older Dialog+ machines. They have helped us by telling us which Trusts have their machines and they're making the process run smoothly (very important for busy hospitals) by giving us a turn around time for supplying the kits. We know that there are more of you out there that could do with our help - do get in touch!

Over the next few months we will be speaking to each of the Trusts on the list individually; we'll give them a bit more encouragement and find out exactly how many of them have fitted the kits. Opening the communication lines will also give them the chance to ask any questions they may have about other carbon-saving projects like waste reduction or staff behaviour change.

Watch this space for updates on the project - we'll be keeping you in the loop and telling you how many units fit their exchangers. If you have any questions or comments, please do get in touch.

Season's greetings to you all!  Hope you have a fun break and get some well-earned rest before the new year.

Rachel

P.S. A few of the best ways to stay in touch with us:

• Keep an eye on our 10:10 page
• Contact me at  rachel.stancliffe@sustainable healthcare.org.uk
• Sign up to our newsletter
• Join our Green Nephrology network, if you haven't already!
• Follow @SusHealthcare on twitter