Peter Robinson

• MBBS
• Sustainability in the Operating Theatre

Background

The NHS produces 25% of UK public sector greenhouse gases. The operating theatre is an energy and resource intensive area of the hospital; two thirds of NHS emissions relate to medicines, medical equipment, and supply chains. Reducing emissions associated with surgical operations requires the evaluation of the carbon footprint to identify carbon hotspots.

Aims

1. Update a systematic review on the carbon footprint of surgical operations published in 2020.

2. Identify carbon hotspots within surgery.

3. List recommendations that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with surgery.

Outcomes

Ten new studies were included in the analysis and the carbon footprints of operations were variable. Heart bypass surgery had the highest emissions. Carbon hotspots included medical supplies and transport of staff and patients. Recommendations for reducing emissions include developing sustainable supply chains, subsidising public transport, and standardising carbon footprint calculations to allow comparisons of operations between hospitals.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Max Robinson