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Sustainability in the operating theatre
Clinical impacts and solutions | Sustainable business and solutions
This guide is for all members of the surgical team, as well as those who are responsible for leading and developing teams, and improving team performance.
Date (DD-MM-YYYY)
21-09-2024 to 21-09-2025
Available on-demand until 21st September 2025
Cost
Free
Education type
Article
CPD subtype
On-demand
Description
Climate change has been recognised as one of the biggest global health threats of the century (Lance Climate Change Commission, 2009). In the UK, the healthcare sector is one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, with operating theatres having a disproportionate environmental impact because of their energy-intensive processes, as well as high consumption of resources and production of waste.
The NHS has pledged to meet a net zero carbon target by 2045 through its Greener NHS campaign, and individual surgeons and surgical teams are in a unique position to lead efforts to improve the environmental sustainability of the operating theatre.
This guide makes practical recommendations for members of the surgical team in the areas of:
- Solid waste reduction
- Green purchasing
- Water conservation
- Care pathways
- Cultural change and surgical leadership.
The aim is to support improvements in surgical care through small, sustainable practices that maintain patient care and support environmental health.
Contact details
Email address
Telephone number
020 7869 6300
Royal College of Surgeons of England
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London
WC2A 3PE