Infusion pumps play a critical role in cancer care, safely delivering chemotherapy and other medications with precision.
When these infusion pumps reach the end of their supported life, they must be safely decommissioned – a standard practice to ensure only high-quality, regulated equipment is used in patient care.
Icon saw an opportunity to do things differently and give this equipment a second life.
Looking for a way to reduce environmental waste, Icon Cancer Centre Australia’s Procurement Manager of Facilities and Services, Jeff Messenger and the team, partnered with Biovet, an organisation that refurbishes and repurposes medical equipment to high medical standards, for vet clinics across Australia.
“It’s about doing the right thing for the environment, for our communities and, and for our future,” Jeff said.
After finalising the agreement, Biovet also offered to arrange pickup of the pumps from Icon cancer centres across Australia.
Biovet General Manager, Krstin Chrimes, said the infusion pumps allow more pets to receive accessible care.
“Offering an opportunity to procure and refurbish high-quality medical equipment, such as these infusion pumps allows us to support the veterinary industry with cost effective solutions to deliver safe and reliable care to all animal patients,” Krstin said.
Jeff coordinated pickup times with Biovet for the pumps in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania, and within two days, all the pumps had been collected.
This initiative demonstrates Icon’s commitment to sustainability through practical, everyday action.
By repurposing more than 230 expired infusion pumps, the team diverted an estimated 1,633 kilograms of e-waste from landfill and prevented over 600 kilograms of carbon emissions—delivering meaningful environmental impact.
“Refurbished medical devices are not just a cost-effective solution, but it provides significant environmental benefits, creating a positive impact for our future,” Krstin said.
As a world-leading integrated healthcare provider, Icon is committed to operating sustainably through our environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars underpinned by our care for patients, people, planet and governance.
Aligning with Icon’s ESG Planet pillar, Jeff noted the initiative reduces waste, extends the life of valuable resources, and supports circular economy practices throughout our organisation.
“It’s initiatives like that that will make a huge difference in terms of recycling and saving the environment,” Jeff said.
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