As part of our commitment to a net-zero future, we've chosen our operating theatres as the flagship clinical area for sustainable transformation—building on our success in eliminating the use of desflurane and nitrous oxide in anaesthetic procedures.
Empowered by capacity from the On Purpose placement, we launched a vibrant, multidisciplinary Green Theatres Working Group. Our mission is to reimagine theatre practice through the lens of reuse, resilience, and responsibility. We’ve already made tangible strides in transitioning to reuseable surgical equipment—phasing out single-use cryoprobes, phacospeculums, and various types of forceps across the trust. We are also making good progress with transitioning to reuseable theatre clothing, having recently stopped all orders of single-use gowns at our City Road site, and are exploring options for reusable theatre hats. We have also eliminated desflurane and nitrous oxide from our anaesthetic procedures.
Our plan going forward is to take a holistic approach to greening our theatres by ensuring each facet is suitably accounted for from an environmental perspective: theatre staff, procurement of equipment and clothing, perioperative care, waste reduction, and energy use. As such, the group brings together voices from across the theatre ecosystem—surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre practitioners, medical equipment and logistics leads, soft services, and procurement partners.
Meeting every three weeks, this coalition is co-chaired by our OCSS Director and Transformation Programme Manager, with clinical leadership from a Consultant Anaesthetist dedicated to sustainable practice. In March 2025, the group held two lively, in-person workshops at our City Road theatres, connecting directly with staff to inspire action and spark ideas for change.
| Action | KPIs |
| Net-zero clinical leadership | |
| Formalise net-zero clinical lead position. |
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| Progress with general green theatre projects | |
| Complete quality improvement projects in theatres that focus on a measurable reduction in emissions, with co-benefits for outcomes and quality of care, efficiency and reducing healthcare inequalities. |
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| Share learnings and outcomes through clinical networks. |
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| Promote green theatres e-learning for all staff working in theatres. |
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| Optimise digital pathway management for perioperative care. |
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| Build on relationships with our suppliers to transition from single-use to re-useable items in theatres | |
| Transition to reusable theatre equipment. |
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| Transition to reusable theatre clothing. |
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| Improve theatres waste management and reduction rates | |
| Reduce theatre waste via bin installations. |
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| Reduce use of paper in theatres and measure the resultant reduction of carbon emissions. |
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| Use of Genesis inventory management software to improve management of stock. |
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| Optimise energy use in theatres | |
| Optimise airflow management prior to move. |
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| Ensure maximum value from theatre sessions by improving theatre efficiency / reducing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wastage. |
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