New hospital initiative saves 161 tonnes carbon footprint equivalent per-year
Barnsley Hospital has smashed a further target in its Green Plan vision towards achieving carbon net zero, by ditching the use of desflurane anaesthetic gas.
The usage of this gas is one of the largest contributing areas of overall health service carbon footprint. Removing desflurane from usage at Barnsley Hospital, saves a whopping 161 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is the equivalent to 374 Trans-Atlantic flights (London to New York JFK) in carbon footprint per year.
Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr James Turnbull led the project said: “operating theatres have a significant environmental impact on the planet. Much of this impact comes from the use of Desflurane anaesthetic gas.
We have taken the decision to remove Desflurane and all our staff fully support this initiative. The use of lower carbon replacements has no negative impact on patient care, experience or recovery. This decision demonstrates a clear commitment to reducing the harmful effects of anaesthetic gases and making our hospital greener in line with our Green Plan launched earlier in 2022.”
Read more about our sustainability strategy in our Green Plan.