What were we asked to look at?

The Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) has been asked to look at the evidence supporting the impact of interventions or strategies aimed at improving the environmental sustainability of surgical operating theatres.

Why is this important?

Operating theatres are one of the most important energy and carbon-contributing areas of hospitals. One of the priorities of the NHS Scotland climate emergency and sustainability strategy (2022 – 2026) is to reduce the carbon footprint of theatres and enable more environmentally sustainable care across NHS Scotland.

Environmental sustainability strategies are generally aimed at reducing the high emissions and waste typically generated in surgery, while maintaining the highest levels of patient safety and quality of care. However, the extent to which these strategies benefit the environment remain unclear. 

Referred by

National Green Theatres Programme