A pilot project that aims to reduce carbon emissions and save thousands of pounds is starting at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity has bought 20 CoolSticks — a reusable metal stick that is used to produce a cold sensation on a patient’s skin to test whether an epidural or spinal block is working.

Currently the trust that runs the hospital uses more than 670 cans of ethyl chloride each year for the same purpose — at a cost of £13,400. The gases can remain in the environment for up to two months and there is a large carbon footprint involved in the production, use, and destruction of the can.

The CoolSticks, which cost a total of £1,620, are designed to last for many years. They are stored in a fridge and are easy to clean for infection control purposes.

The trial is being led by Debs Kerry, sustainability fellow, who is supporting Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust and the Integrated Care System (ICS) to implement its green plan and reduce carbon emissions, to move towards achieving the target of a net zero NHS by 2040.

Debs said: “Several trusts across the country have already swapped to CoolSticks following positive feedback in trials. We’re grateful to the charity.

“It won’t be very long before the CoolSticks pay for themselves — over a five-year period, the trust could save more than £60,000, in addition to saving carbon emissions.”

Pictured are Debs Kerry, climate action fellow; Louise Staves, pain nurse specialist; Paris Wallace, ward sister; Sharon Leveridge-Williams, housekeeper; Nicola Moody, pain nurse specialist; and Zoe Statham, healthcare assistant.