Case Studies | NHS Theatre Cap Results

⭐ Featured Case Study

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Musgrove Park Hospital • Implementation: April 2024 • 500+ Theatre Staff

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust faced a common challenge: poor staff recognition in theatres was impacting communication and contributing to potential safety concerns. Staff surveys revealed that only 41% of team members could correctly identify colleagues' names and roles during procedures.

The trust piloted Eco Ninjas badge hats in April 2024 across their main theatre complex. Full rollout was completed within three weeks, with staff receiving brief training on badge attachment and the new laundering process.

Measured Outcomes

✓ Staff recognition increased from 41.1% to 95.9% — post-implementation surveys showed dramatic improvement

✓ 90,000 caps prevented from incineration — annual prevention of disposable caps entering clinical waste stream

✓ 48% cost reduction — projected three-year savings of over £13,000 vs. continued disposable purchases

✓ Enhanced surgical safety — improved compliance with WHO surgical safety checklist

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Musgrove Park Hospital theatre staff with Eco Ninjas badge hats

Theatre staff at Musgrove Park Hospital, Somerset

96%Staff recognition rate

3wkImplementation time

500+Staff using badges

48%Cost savings

"The impact was immediate. Within days, we noticed improved team coordination. Staff reported feeling more confident knowing exactly who they were working with."

— Theatre Manager, Musgrove Park Hospital

🏆 Award Winning

Early Adopter

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

As one of the first NHS trusts to pilot reusable theatre caps, Liverpool University Hospitals demonstrated the viability of this sustainable alternative. Their collaboration with Eco Ninjas helped refine the product and implementation process that other trusts now benefit from.

The trust's commitment to sustainability and innovation earned them the Northwest Coast Research and Innovation Sustainability Award in 2022 — validating the approach and helping to drive NHS-wide adoption.

"This project won the Sustainability award, validating our belief that reusable theatre caps represent the future of sustainable healthcare."

— Eco Ninjas Partnership Team

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Award Recognition

First NHS trust to win regional sustainability award for theatre cap initiative.

Evidence Generation

Provided real-world data informing NHS-wide adoption strategies.

Staff Satisfaction

High acceptance rates — anaesthetists noticed immediate communication improvements.

Best Practice

Implementation learnings shared across NHS trusts nationally.

£2,500 Saved over 3 years

Cumulative NHS Impact

Growing network of trusts — collective environmental and financial impact

100K+

Total Caps in Use

20T+

CO₂ Reduction (Tonnes)

500K

Disposables Prevented

£500K+

Cumulative NHS Savings

What Theatre Staff Say

From the People Who Matter

It took about two weeks for removing the badge to become automatic. Now I can't imagine working any other way.

Theatre Sister, NHS Trust

The badge system has transformed how we work. I can instantly identify everyone in the room, which is crucial during complex procedures.

Consultant Surgeon, Somerset NHS

As an anaesthetist, clear communication is essential. These caps have made a noticeable difference in team coordination and overall safety.

Anaesthetist, Liverpool University Hospitals

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do reusable theatre caps meet infection control standards? ▾

Our caps are designed to be centrally laundered at 60°C+ alongside scrubs, meeting the same stringent NHS infection control standards. They've been tested for bacterial barrier performance and approved by infection control teams at multiple NHS trusts. Independent laboratory testing confirms they maintain integrity after 100+ wash cycles.

What happens to the badges during laundering? ▾

Staff remove their personal badges before sending caps to the laundry. Badges are stored in lockers or personal storage. When clean caps return from laundry, staff clip their badges back on. This process becomes automatic within 2–3 weeks, similar to removing disposable caps.

How long does implementation typically take? ▾

Most trusts complete full implementation within 3–4 weeks. This includes staff measurements, cap ordering, badge production, training sessions, and the transition period. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including on-site training if needed.

Can we order through NHS procurement frameworks? ▾

Yes, all Eco Ninjas products are available through the Mediq NHS framework, making procurement straightforward and compliant. You can also open a direct account with us for customised orders and dedicated support.

What sizes and styles are available? ▾

We offer multiple sizes to fit all staff comfortably. Our range includes traditional theatre caps, braid-style caps, and theatre hijabs. Badge colours include blue, yellow, white, and plain writeable badges for different roles and departments — 8 styles across 14 colours.

How durable are the caps? ▾

Our caps are designed for 100+ industrial wash cycles while maintaining shape, colour, and integrity. Made from high-quality poly-cotton blends, they're far more durable than disposables and provide consistent performance throughout their lifespan.