UCLH cuts use of environmentally harmful anaesthetic gases further

UCLH has reduced its environmental impact from anaesthesia even further, with the decommissioning of nitrous oxide manifolds in the Grafton Way Building and the Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Until now, nitrous oxide has been piped to clinical areas from a large central cylinder bank, known as a manifold. Studies have consistently shown that a high proportion of nitrous oxide supplied by central manifolds in hospitals is wasted, due to issues including over procurement and poor stock rotation. From an environmental perspective, nitrous oxide has around 298 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide and stays in the atmosphere for 114 years.

Although nitrous oxide will still be available to patients, it will now be supplied directly to areas as required in portable cylinders. This will make the overall supply of the gas much leaner, without having a negative impact on patients or staff.

It is estimated that switching to portable cylinders will reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 81 per cent in the Grafton Way Building and 97 per cent in the Macmillan Cancer Centre, with the overall carbon saving equivalent to driving all the way around the planet ten times in a petrol car.

Since 2019, UCLH has reduced its carbon emissions from anaesthetic gases from 0.94 per cent to 0.44 per cent of its total carbon footprint. 

Laura Elgie, consultant anaesthetist said:

"UCLH is working hard towards its net zero targets and decommissioning our nitrous oxide manifolds will contribute towards this. Many thanks to colleagues and departments who have helped achieve this milestone."

Chris Gormley, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England said:

“By switching from piped manifold systems to portable cylinders UCLH are making fantastic progress to reduce waste of nitrous oxide while maintaining the high quality of care they provide to their patients. We are pleased to see this work going on across the country as the NHS continues to work to address waste, save money and reduce emissions as part of our commitment to build a more sustainable healthcare system.”