The Green Surgery Report, a collaboration between Brighton & Sussex Medical School, UK Health Alliance on Climate Change and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare was published in November 2023. It lays out a clear statement of the need for sustainable surgical practice and points to practical actions for all members of the surgical team to reduce surgery’s environmental harms while safeguarding or improving care for patients.

 

The Sustainable Healthcare Coalition and The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) hosted a webinar on 10th April 2024 to discuss the report’s findings and explore how supply chains, procurement and industry can play critical roles in accelerating delivery of the decarbonisation and enhanced sustainability that is needed.

 

 

Commenting on the report Dr Fiona Adshead, Chair, Sustainable Healthcare Coalition said, “We were delighted to support the development of this groundbreaking report which so clearly sets out the challenge ahead for greener surgery. It will provide opportunities for our members to innovate their products and services and allow us as a Coalition to further develop our thinking on sustainable procurement, circularity and our care pathway approach to surgery.”

 

Addie McGregor, Sustainability Manager at the ABHI reflected, “The Green Surgery Report underscores the collective journey to net zero. It shows how every member of the healthcare supply chain plays a pivotal role in this endeavour. It is crucial we unite industry, healthcare professionals, and supply partners, to embrace and implement sustainable practices. Together, we can drive the significant change needed to achieve a sustainable and resilient healthcare system.”