Sustainability in Surgery – Driving Change for a Greener Future
RCSEd Communications Team
Katie Hurst, Sustainability Champion, discusses how small changes can help to create a greener future and ensure better healthcare for all.
As a Member of RCSEd Council, Chair of the RCSEd Trainees’ Committee and a Sustainability Champion, I have had the privilege of having been able to work with others to voice the significance of sustainability and the urgent need for collaboration among medical professionals to drive change.
For some time, we have been pushing for our four medical colleges to work together on sustainability initiatives. We have explored various ways clinicians on the ground floor can make a difference on a day-to-day basis. While some sustainable practices require changes at the NHS level, there's still a lot we can do individually.
I understand that as a junior doctor, or even a consultant, it can be challenging to change procurement practices within hospitals. We can certainly ask for it, but it often has to go through the NHS supply chain. However, the NHS is undertaking significant efforts to become greener. In the meantime, we have created a Green Theatre Checklist to inspire our members to make a change from the moment they walk through the door.
The checklist encompasses small but impactful actions. For instance, asking for reusable instruments, bringing your own theatre hat, using reusable gowns, and switching off lights at the end of the day. These may seem like little wins, but they all add up. Instead of using throwaway plastic prep sticks, we can use reusable forceps for patient preparation. Recycling is important, but it's even better to avoid using plastic equipment altogether, if we can.
There are numerous other options available, and the more clinicians consciously make sustainable decisions, the more this will influence others. Sustainable practices can be a source of inspiration for fellow healthcare professionals. If just one person in a theatre is sustainable, others will learn from their example.
I'm thrilled to see that more and more people are becoming aware of the sustainability problem and actively seeking resources to make a change. Sustainability is now a prominent topic in conferences, and conversations surrounding it are increasing. This shift is essential because we need to drive change in the healthcare industry.
In my role, I aim to support our Members and Fellows of the College in working with the industry to make greener modifications. We also have an internal sustainability team that works toward implementing changes within the College.
It's vital for us to understand the gravity of the climate emergency. A climate decoration was therefore declared by all four colleges to act appropriately. The consequences of global warming directly affect our patients, making it even more crucial to incorporate sustainable practices into our day-to-day work.
We've been collaborating closely with other Royal Colleges to address sustainability concerns. Incorporating sustainability into medical school curriculums and surgical training ensures that future healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make a difference.
The more awareness there is, the easier it becomes to drive change. Patient safety is always a priority, but we must also address other challenges, including saving the planet. Sustainable options are just as safe and, in many cases, more cost-effective.
Across the country, there are sustainability projects and funded fellowships, demonstrating the growing importance of this topic. Professionals are being encouraged to engage with sustainability-related subjects. I'm here to support members in driving change and it’s an exciting time for me to be involved in this movement.
Finally, sustainability in surgery is an issue that cannot be ignored. As healthcare professionals, we have the power to make a difference. By adopting sustainable practices, driving change in the NHS and the industry, and raising awareness, we can contribute to a greener future.
Please remember that it’s okay to go against the grain. Sometimes you might feel like you’re the only person that’s advocating for something because of time and patient pressures. But it’s okay to coax other people on board in this, and if you stand above the parapet a little bit you’d be surprised at how many people join you. Let's continue working together, learning from each other, and creating a positive impact on patient care and the environment.
