Rollout of scheme to make NHS operating rooms ‘greener’ hailed

The NHS in Scotland is rolling out a project that aims to cut the environmental emissions linked with surgery – while still ensuring patient safety.

Scottish Government minister Maree Todd hailed the changes being made under the Green Theatres programme as a “very positive step in the right direction”, as the NHS works towards a target of achieving net-zero by 2040.

The changes will see a move away from the use of single-use items, as well as switching off heating, ventilation and air conditioning out-of-hours.

Ms Todd, the minister for social care, mental wellbeing and sport, found out more about the changes on a visit to a “green theatre” at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, which is part of the pilot project carried out by NHS Highland.

She said: “The rollout of the Green Theatres programme is a very positive step in the right direction to making our NHS net-zero by 2040.

“Our incredible NHS staff have worked tirelessly to develop a model that not only puts patients and their safety first, but will reduce our environmental impact.”

Dr Kenneth Barker, the clinical lead for the national Green Theatres programme, said: “Our patients always comes first but it’s great that we are now making clinically safe patient care decisions with sustainability in mind.

“Theatres are high carbon and energy-intensive areas that produce high volumes of waste, so reducing their environmental impact will make a positive difference toward achieving Scotland’s net-zero targets.”