Call for NHS carbon footprint reduction
Medical bodies are calling on health boards and the Scottish Government to do more to reduce the carbon footprint of the NHS.
The Scottish Academy – which includes health professionals in the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland – demanded action on the issue ahead of the global Cop26 climate change summit in Glasgow.
They argue that climate change is a global public health issue and therefore professionals working in the sector should be leading the way by making the NHS more environmentally friendly. But they say for meaningful change to happen, action is needed from health boards and the Government, as well as from health professionals themselves.
With the Academy concerned about waste in the health system – particularly from single-use items such as PPE, inhalers, blood collection tubes and plastic drinking cups – it called for the NHS in Scotland to be more innovative about recycling items such as PPE where this can be done safely.
Mike Mckirdy, presidentelect of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, said a "move towards reusable surgical equipment" could be explored. He said hospitals and other NHS centres should also make ensure sufficient recycling bins in clinical areas and in patient waiting areas, since the recycling of general waste is a challenge.
Meanwhile video technology could be used to avoid unnecessary vehicle journeys which cause harmful emissions. The NHS in Scotland has committed to being a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions organisation by 2045.