Some of our theatre colleagues visiting an intersurgical factory to see how they are ensuring that the products they supply are sustainably developed and produced

It's been one year since the launch of the theatre team's Green Theatres Project, which aims to reduced the departments carbon footprint and contribute to the Trust's mission to be net zero by 2040.

The project was led by Net Zero Clinical Lead and Consultant Anaesthetist, Sophie Lawton and supported by theatres' Dr Williams, Amy Shedden, Emma Mooney, Natasha Sellens, Jamie Bussey, and their colleagues. They're all are celebrating the fantastic achievements they've made this year to become more sustainable, reduce environmental impact and save money.

Some of the successful outcomes of this project include:

  • Replacing single-use carboard trays with reusable trays to reduce the amount of consumables used waste generated.
  • Replacing ethyl chloride sprays (which are damaging to the environment) with cool sticks in day surgery.
  • Improving waste segregation and increasing recycling by delivering educational sessions and reorganising theatres to make it easier to use the correct bin.
  • Introducing pre-filled syringes for emergency drugs to reduce the amounts that are drawn up and wasted if not used.
  • Creation of a green theatres team and permanent clinical lead within theatres and ICU.
  • Policy change to switch to reusable hats approved by IPC.
  • Upcycling of lockers for resident doctors.
  • ICU blood test audit underway to reduce the number of blood tests performed - inspired by actions within the Critical Care Sustainability recipe book.

To maintain momentum some future actions include:

  • Delivering sustainability tutorials for resident doctors working in theatres.
  • Developing green pathways for common laparoscopic procedures.
  • Developing links with other trusts to share ideas and inspiration about how to make meaningful change.

Sophie said: "The Green Theatre team have achieved an incredible amount over the last 12 months. We have had a fantastic response from colleagues who have fully engaged with this project and helped to make our changes permanent. From increasing our recycling, changing disposable items to re-useable, and wearing re-useable theatre hats - this project has been a huge success.

"It's been so successful that the team have been asked to present our work to the national NHS Elect sustainability team, which we are very proud of. We have loads more initiatives planned for the next 12-months too."

If colleagues feel inspired to embed sustainability within their own departments, a good place to start is by attending the Green Champions training. The next dates are Wednesday, 14th January (CRH) and Wednesday, 11th March (HRI) 2026. Booking form link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/92cLhQYGAj