ANZCA endorses RACS position statement on reusable sterile surgical gowns

19 April 2024

The college has recently endorsed the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) position statement on reusable sterile surgical gowns.

RACS, in collaboration with the Australian College of Perioperative Nurses (ACORN) and the Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC)’s, produced a position statement in late 2023 outlining the environmental benefits of reusable sterile surgical gowns over single-use surgical gowns, emphasising the equivalent infection prevention outcomes with both.

After detailed consideration, including valuable insights from the Environment Sustainability Network Executive and Professional Affairs Executive Committee, the college has endorsed RACS’s position statement.
Choosing reusable surgical gowns rather than disposable surgical gowns is a proven way to reduce the environmental impact of surgical practice. In addition, reusable gowns provide equivalent protection for patient and healthcare worker, as well as cost savings and increased comfort.

Monitoring and reporting will be in place to act on any indication that there may be increased risk to patient or staff safety (such as surgical site infections), particularly during the initial transition from single use to reusable gowns to ensure local systems and processes are robust, for example ensuring there are adequate gowns and laundry services in place.

You can read the full statement here. 

Interested in learning more?

Check the ESN recent webinar recording below:

Time to gown up - sustainably