“We need to start thinking much more circularly in healthcare”
Interview with Erik van Raaij – WP4 Lead Esch-R on the website of the Dutch Implementation Collective (KiZ – Quality and Safety in Healthcare).
Sustainability, or “green” healthcare, is not a new topic. However, the level of attention it receives within healthcare is relatively recent – though clearly growing. KiZ therefore spoke with Erik van Raaij about the importance of this theme and the role of sustainability within quality of care.
What is the relevance of this topic for the quality of care, for the individual patient, for healthcare organizations, and for society as a whole? And what role can an implementation specialist or quality advisor play? According to Erik van Raaij, there are gains to be made at all levels. Quality advisors can integrate sustainability into their approach and support procurement professionals in better balancing cost considerations with aspects such as quality, safety, workload, and sustainability.
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By asking critical questions and adapting protocols, the use of materials can be reduced. Van Raaij explains: “We ourselves are involved in the ESCH-R project, in which we will develop and apply knowledge on circularity across 12 concrete cases in six clinical departments of two academic hospitals, with the aim of making healthcare more sustainable” (see box).
“When you consider how many single-use disposables are used, or how many unused products end up as waste, it becomes clear that we must be able to maintain quality of care while reducing environmental impact. There are already many good examples emerging from the ESCH-R project at Erasmus MC and other hospitals.”
Source: Nederlands implementatie collectief
Date: 13 March 2026
