| Popis: |
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB) is the largest health board in Wales. I brought together target stakeholders in healthcare and engineering subspecialties at the main site of CAVUHB in order to investigate nitrous oxide (N2O) consumption. N2O is a powerful climate pollutant, remaining in the atmosphere for up to 150 years and is 300 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. NHS Wales’ total annual emissions for N2O products is over 22,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. Research at NHS Lothian has revealed that approximately 80% of piped N2O does not reach patients due to systemic leaks, stock expiry, or theft. Results of investigations and audit suggest that the main CAVUHB manifold is exhibiting significant waste: 1.2 million litres of N2O were purchased, compared to 50,000 litres recorded by anaesthetic machines supplied by the manifold in 2020-21. This project demonstrates how leadership should be collaborative and distributive: starting dialogues between departments led to visible accountability for each element of the N2O infrastructure. Such teamwork encouraged a shared vision of greater transparency and less waste. Sustained change relies on the progress of the new CAVUHB taskforce comprising representatives from pharmacy, estates, and anaesthetics and will trial portable cylinder provision of nitrous oxide. Locally, mitigating N2O waste reduces occupational exposure and saves money. Nationally, we co-founded the Nitrous Oxide Project, which promotes a lean systems approach for mitigating N2O emissions, winning the Association of Anaesthetists Environmental Award for 2021 and shortlisted for the BMJ Environmental Award. I was encouraged and motivated by knowledgeable and supportive leaders whom I respect greatly. Rigorous implementation could result in net-zero emissions of anaesthetic N2O within the next five years. Moreover, applying this research to Entonox® management could also demonstrate similarly significant benefits. |
