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A cost-benefit analysis and high-level carbon impact analysis of the UniWee
How we worked with Health Innovation West of England
The UniWee is a universal urinal made from disposable pulp designed for those without male genitalia to use. Patients can void their bladder directly into a UniWee when lying or sitting in bed by themselves or with support. The UniWee can be composted or disposed of by maceration, which involves breaking down the material into a watery slurry that can be discharged into the sewer system.
Unity Insights were commissioned by Health Innovation West of England as part of their remit in support of the Office for Life Sciences to produce a cost-benefit analysis tool and high-level carbon impact analysis of the UniWee in the neck of femur pathway in the average NHS hospital in England. This project involved creation of an interactive tool and a high-level evaluation report.
What were the impacts of this cost-benefit model and carbon impact model?
The cost-benefit analysis and high-level carbon impact analysis highlighted that the UniWee could improve operational efficiencies, and environmental sustainability within the typical NHS hospital neck of femur fracture pathway for patients without male genitalia.
There was a projected net annual benefit of £24,817 and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 19.4. This suggests that for every £1 invested, £19.40 of value could be returned. These findings demonstrate substantial potential cost savings and efficiency improvements, highlighting the importance of optimising staff time through efficient methods to help a patient void their bladder. The majority of this reduction was attributed to benefit stream 1 (a reduction in staff time due to using the UniWee), which resulted in a saving of £21,719.
Over one year (2025/26), the high-level carbon impact analysis estimated a total carbon saving of 473.4 kgCO2e, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of approximately 18 trees. The majority of this reduction was attributed to stream 3 (a decrease in the number of incontinence pads used), which resulted in a projected saving of 518.4 kgCO2e.
It should be noted that the figures contributing towards the models were heavily based on assumptions, expert judgement and literature sources, meaning that the exact financial and carbon saving may differ in reality.
What value did the cost-benefit model and carbon impact model add?
The cost-benefit model and the carbon impact model added a clear understanding of both the economic and environmental implications of the UniWee. By combining a cost-benefit analysis with a high-level carbon impact assessment, the analysis provided a projection of financial viability while also highlighting potential sustainability outcomes. This allows for more balanced and informed decision-making.
“We have previously demonstrated that our patients and our staff would recommend using the UniWee. This cost-benefit model, designed by Unity Insights and funded by HIWE [Health Innovation West of England], will be invaluable in supporting our further work to demonstrate that this innovation supports sustainability in the NHS as well as being a better option for patients and staff.”
Sian Thomas, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
“The cost-benefit model designed by Unity Insights shows that use of [the] Uniwee could free up staff time in supporting patient toileting and also save on carbon emissions. We hope that it supports with hospital decision-making around the use of this low-cost innovation.”
