Surgery and net zero

Nitrous oxide mitigation: Launching the UK and ROI national audit

Published

17 March 2023

About

Published by The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Amarantha Fennell-Wells starts by discussing the background to nitrous oxide within healthcare and its effects on local and global environments. Alifia Chakera then takes us through her pioneering method into investigating leakage of nitrous oxide within NHS Lothian hospital sites. Dr Chris Allen closes the session by addressing FAQs for conducting a similar type of audit.

Further resources

Putting anaesthetic-generated emissions to bed

Recognising the impact climate change is having on the environment and the health of its people, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust has stepped up activity to reduced the use of carbon intensive desflurane.

Watch: Putting anaesthetic-generated emissions to bed

University Hospitals Birmingham: A world first in carbon net zero surgery

Operating theatres are an important focus in carbon reduction: they account for as much as 25% of hospitals’ carbon emissions, despite fewer than 5% of hospital inpatients undergoing surgery.

Read: University Hospitals Birmingham: A world first in carbon net zero surgery

The Academy of Fabulous Stuff: Environmentally sustainable change in theatre - our experience and how-to guide

Dr Katie Boag and colleagues at The Leads Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust discuss their experience of completing the Green Surgery Challenge, and developing a how-to guide for others.

Read: Environmentally sustainable change in theatre - our experience and how-to guide