NHS Supply Chain has announced the availability of Pee in Pot (PiP), which it dubs ‘a ground-breaking sustainable solution for urine testing’, for all NHS Trusts in England and Wales.
Developed within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the innovative single-solution pulp vessel (pictured) is set to ‘revolutionise’ mid-stream urine collection, NHS Supply Chain says, significantly reducing plastic waste and cutting carbon emissions by up to 85%
NHS Supply Chain explained: “PiP replaces multiple plastic items traditionally used in urine testing, offering a streamlined, eco-friendly alternative that minimises waste, lowers the risk of spillage, and reduces costs.
The development of PiP stemmed from a need to standardise urine testing practices while addressing the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Having identified inconsistencies in urine collection methods, the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust team sought a more sustainable, efficient solution. Its research confirmed that pulp-based urine collection performed just as effectively as sterile plastic, paving the way for PiP’s creation.
Lisa Strawbridge, Deputy Clinical manager at the Trust, said: “We have been using PiPs in our Day Surgery Centre for a while now, and find them sturdy and easy to use. They are sustainable, and offer a much greener alternative to plastic, reducing waste without compromising on practicality. A great step forward for both patient care and the environment."
PiP is now available for trusts in England and Wales to order through NHS Supply Chain catalogue (NPC FBF85178) Innovation Pulp Framework.