Sustainability guidance for surgical teams across the UK and Ireland has been updated and backed by new partners.
The Green Theatre Checklist was established in 2022 by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the Royal College of Surgeons England, the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland as part of their commitment to act collectively and urgently to address the threat of the climate and ecological crisis.
The checklist includes pointers for healthcare workers in surgical departments, such as using local anaesthetic where possible, or switching to reusable equipment when it is safe to do so.
Three years on from its initial launch, the checklist has been updated with a range of new guidance and has secured the backing of the Association of Anaesthetists, the Association of Perioperative Practice and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
Vivienne Gough, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s representative on the Green Theatre checklist, said: “The climate emergency poses a significant threat to human health, and risks placing already fragile healthcare systems under increasing pressure. The healthcare sector itself is estimated to be responsible for 4-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, therefore it also has a vital role to play in tackling these challenges.
“I am delighted that the Royal Colleges are working together, along with new partners in healthcare, to support the Green Theatre Checklist. It offers great advice on how we can change practices to make a difference.”
Healthcare services globally have a large carbon footprint, accounting for 4-5% of total carbon emissions. Anaesthesia and surgery are particularly carbon intensive, with a typical single operation estimated to generate between 150-170kgCO2e, equivalent to driving 450 miles in an average petrol car.
Anecdotal feedback from surgeons and anaesthetists who have implemented the new ways of working into their practice has helped to inform the changes and the recommendations now go further, including the decommissioning of centralised nitrous oxide and greater use of reusable equipment.
The checklist is divided into four sections, the first dedicated to anaesthetic care, and the subsequent three looking at preparation for surgery, intra-operative practice and post-operative measures.
The revised Green Theatre Checklist will be launched by lead author Jasmine Winter Beatty, and joined by speakers who have supported the initiative, with a live webinar tonight, Wednesday 19 February.