North Jutland Maternity Ward Aims to Use Cloth Diapers and Reduce Waste

The maternity ward at Regionshospital Nordjylland in Hjørring is taking significant steps to reduce its environmental footprint by embracing reusable materials. The ward has transitioned away from disposable diapers, wet wipes, and plastic suits, opting instead for alternatives that can be reused.

Anette Juel Storgaard, a midwife at the hospital, told DR, "We thought it was a shame to throw so much waste out when we could find an alternative." This sentiment reflects a growing awareness and commitment to sustainability within healthcare facilities.

This initiative aligns with a larger objective set by Danish Regions, which aims to halve the CO2 emissions from hospitals by 2035. Other regions are also engaged in similar climate projects. For instance, Region Hovedstaden has reported efforts to cut CO2 emissions in its maternity departments, including replacing plastic medicine cups with ones made from recycled sugarcane or paper at Amager and Hvidovre Hospital.

Furthermore, CTG belts used to monitor fetal heart rate during birth are no longer discarded after a single use but are sent for washing. With approximately 7,000 births annually, the Hjørring department is Denmark's largest maternity ward, making its sustainability efforts particularly impactful. The hospital's commitment demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental responsibility within the healthcare sector.

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We thought it was a shame to throw so much waste out when we could find an alternative.