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Sustainability in Surgery

The NHS accounts for 4.6% of the UK’s total carbon footprint and over ⅓ of public sector emissions
The NHS produces 590,000 tonnes of waste and this makes it the largest public sector contributor to climate change in Europe
Surgery is the most resource intensive aspect of healthcare
Operating theatres tend to produce approximately 50 - 70% of the total hospital waste in the NHS
Operating theatre energy requirements are four-to-six times that of other hospital areas

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Sustainability in Surgery

UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC)

Ten Commitments for Mitigating Climate Change

Climate Emergency Declaration
Intercollegiate Green Theatre Checklist
The Triple Bottom Line Framework
Sustainability in Surgery Strategy

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Sustainability in Surgery

Greener NHS Strategy

Net Zero Carbon by 2045

Green Surgery Challenge

133.3 tonnes of CO2 per year

£155,476.00

Sustainability Champions Group

The 12 Steps to NetZero Surgery

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Sustainability in Surgery

Preventing and optimising conditions requiring surgical intervention, including preoperative optimisation

Ensuring lean surgical pathways, including identifying and avoiding unnecessary procedures or unused single-use items in surgery.

Promoting low-carbon alternative products and processes in surgery, including reusable instruments, maintenance, repair and recycling

Raising awareness and changing culture amongst the surgical community

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Sustainability in Surgery

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

Delivery of healthcare services remotely
A way to improve access to healthcare services and reduce costs
Free up space and capacity in acute hospitals, enable remote working and reduce the risk of infection transmission in the NHS
NHS App, NHS login and E-prescription
NHS App – 111% increase from February to March 2020
NHS 11 Online – 257% increase from June to November 2020 compared to June to November 2019

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

Remote consultations with doctors

Monitoring of chronic conditions

Mental health counselling

Follow-up appointments

Prescription refills

General health advice

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

Increased access to healthcare services

Improved convenience for patients

Reduced healthcare costs

Improved patient outcomes

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

Productivity gains

Reductions in secondary care

Alternative funding models

Tele-mentoring

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

Data security and privacy

Quality of care delivered

User-friendly interactions

Knowledge of patients and clinicians

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

Robust research and evaluation

Secure systems that are compliant with data privacy regulations

Adequately trained staff with the tools and resources to deliver high-quality care

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Telemedicine and Healthcare Delivery

NHS England recommended that at least 25% of outpatient appointments should be by telephone or video

19-year gap in healthy life expectancy

Multiple long-term health conditions 10 – 15 years earlier

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Investing in Healthcare Workers

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Investing in Healthcare Workers

Improved patient outcomes

Increased capacity

Workforce retention

Boost economic growth

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Investing in Healthcare Workers

Lack of funding

High turnover rates

Limited access to education and training

Complex regulatory environment

Perception of healthcare workers as a cost center

Limited career paths

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Investing in Healthcare Workers

Transparent funding schemes

Importance of employee wellness

Investing in technology

Promoting EDI in workplaces

Diverse career opportunities