- Conference
- 2022 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 8 December 2021
- Decision
- Carried
NHS staff have a significant role to play in helping the NHS to achieve its net zero emissions target by 2040 and we welcome the work that has been taking place which highlights how staff such as AHPs, healthcare science and pharmacy technicians can support environmental sustainability. If anything, COP26 has demonstrated just how ill prepared the government is in terms of ambition and commitment to reach its own net zero target by 2050. The NHS contributes towards 5% of the UK’s total emissions and every single member of the NHS workforce has a vital role to play in implementing paths for decarbonisation.
The UNISON National STAT Committee recognises that the interventions set out in the ‘Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service’ report published in 2020 by the NHS Expert Panel are ambitious but necessary in order for the NHS to lead by example. In particular, we recognise that there are areas of practice for those working as Operating Department Practitioners that could contribute to net zero emissions. It is recognised that anaesthetic gases have a particularly high carbon footprint and contribute to 5% of the carbon footprint for acute NHS organisations. Of these, inhalation anaesthetic gases such as Desflurane Nitrous Oxide, a potent greenhouse gas have a great atmosphere longevity. We recognise that ultimately, whilst the decision around the use of anaesthetic techniques lies with the anaesthetists, that ODPs play a pivotal role in reminding and promoting more sustainable anaesthesia.
Furthermore, we recognise that AHPs, healthcare scientists and pharmacy technicians more generally should have an understanding of the climate emergency, the impact on communities, the patients they care for and how sustainability will need to be built into every area of practice, extending beyond the use of anaesthesia and medicines.
Conference therefore calls upon the SGE to:
1. Campaign for sustainability to be built into training and education standards for AHPs, healthcare scientists and pharmacy technicians as well as for the wider NHS
2. Lead as drivers for change in raising awareness around the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the delivery of care by equipping branches with the resources to promote more sustainable ways of working
3. Campaign for those working in community AHP settings where travel is more likely to be necessary to minimise emissions wherever possible, and adopt working patterns and technologies that reduce the need for short journeys and maximise efficiencies.