NHS Forth Valley has announced its continued leadership in the National Green Theatres Programme, a groundbreaking initiative launched in May 2023 to reduce the carbon footprint of NHS Scotland while ensuring more environmentally sustainable healthcare.

The programme was inspired by the efforts of anaesthetists across the country to cut down on the use of desflurane, a volatile anaesthetic agent with a global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide. In early 2023, Scotland became the first country in the world to ban the use of desflurane, saving an estimated 6,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), alongside financial savings of almost £850,000, with no detriment to patient care.

Building on this success, NHS Forth Valley has implemented a series of innovative and impactful measures to reduce its carbon footprint in the theatre environment, achieving both environmental and financial benefits.

Key Initiatives at NHS Forth Valley:

• Decommissioning of Nitrous Oxide Pipeline: NHS Forth Valley has decommissioned its nitrous oxide delivery system, which was responsible for significant carbon emissions. By switching to a more localized cylinder-supplied system, the hospital has eliminated over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. This shift also resulted in additional financial savings and allowed for the redeployment of skilled staff to other critical areas of patient care. Nationally, NHS Scotland has decommissioned 44 out of 68 manifolds, saving over 4,000 tCO2e.
• Waste Segregation: NHS Forth Valley has improved its waste segregation practices, reducing the amount of clinical waste sent for expensive disposal. Through improved recycling and diversion of non-clinical waste to domestic streams, the hospital has achieved a 20% reduction in its clinical waste volume.
• Oral vs. Intravenous Medication: By promoting the oral administration of medication over intravenous alternatives, NHS Forth Valley has reduced the use of IV paracetamol by 30%, contributing to reduced resource consumption and waste.
• Surgical Suction System: The hospital has implemented a certified system to filter and safely dispose of waste fluids generated during surgical procedures, preventing the need for disposal in clinical waste streams. This initiative has saved approximately 1,000 tonnes of clinical waste and reduced manual handling for staff.
• Reduction in Energy Consumption: NHS Forth Valley has worked to optimize energy usage in theatre environments, including adjusting the speed of HVAC fans and evaluating the effectiveness of anaesthetic gas scavenging systems. These efforts aim to reduce energy consumption while maintaining safe and efficient working conditions.

In addition to these initiatives, NHS Forth Valley has rolled out various other sustainable practices, including the ‘Gloves Off’ campaign, procurement of washable theatre hats, automatic electrical equipment switch-offs, digital record-keeping, and the use of reusable gowns and drapes.

Forth Valley Royal Hospital Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Ewan Jack said: “NHS Forth Valley remains committed to advancing sustainable healthcare and reducing its environmental impact. The organisation continues to collaborate with colleagues across the health and social care sector to drive improvements in the sustainability of theatre operations, with the ultimate goal of creating a carbon-neutral healthcare system for the future.”

For more information about NHS Forth Valley’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2026, visit NHS Forth Valley Climate Emergency & Sustainability Strategy & Action Plan 2023-2026.