Delivering sustainable eye care

Project completed as part of the Barts 2019 Green Team Competition

Setting/Patient Group: Eye Treatment Centre

Issue to be addressed:

Ophthalmology services can contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of healthcare through procedures requiring anaesthesia, medical supply usage and waste disposal. 

Intervention:

Four-pronged approach to reduce overall service-related emissions:

1. 1. Streamlined use of general anaesthesia or local intravenous sedation if local anaesthetic is clinically appropriate (as low carbon alternative)
2. 2. Reduction in single-use plastic cups, plates and cutlery for staff and patient
3. 3. Recycling of theatre wrap
4. 4. Streamline outpatient clinics with introduction of Patient Flow Facilitator

Cumulative outcomes:

Clinical

• Reduced exposure to potential risks of general anaesthesia
• Potential to improve waiting times
• Potential to improve patient safety

Social

• Nitrous oxide for paediatric induction has an increased rate of miscarriage in staff which would be avoided.
• Nitrous oxide cylinder abuse could potentially be reduced if supply reduced.

Environmental

• Projected potential carbon savings of 49,906kgCO2e/year

Economic

• Estimated cost saving of £529/year

Key learning point

Streamlining services can have significant positive impacts on staff satisfaction in addition to improving patient outcomes and reducing environmental and financial impact.