Innovative thinking in healthcare can offer ‘the green shoots of transformation’ in tackling climate change and better nurturing our interconnected ecosystem, an NHS Scotland partner insists

At the recent NHS Scotland Event in Glasgow, the country’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Gregor Smith acknowledged that climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution represent “the greatest threat to human health this century”.

Launching his annual report, Realistic Medicine: Critical Connections, the CMO said this “triple planetary health crisis” amounted to a public health emergency and that “healthcare systems around the world contribute substantially to the problem”.

Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health believes that sustainable, innovative ideas offered by the country’s healthcare workforce must be the key solution to mitigating that threat.

Head of Innovation, Robert Rea said: “We fully agree with Sir Gregor’s statement that providing care the way we always have is not an option in the modern day and that new approaches are required.

“However, while healthcare systems certainly contribute to the climate emergency with their substantial carbon emissions, NHS staff also hold the key to reducing that impact to the point of hitting the net zero emissions target by the year 2040.

“Through improved education and training, delivered hand-in-hand with a dedicated focus on identifying ideas for a more sustainable NHS Scotland, a truly empowered workforce can bring about the significant change we need.”

InnoScot Health cites a vast range of new innovations which have been pioneered by a wide range of staff, introducing everything from more efficient use of operating theatres and far less environmentally damaging anaesthetic gases to reusable theatre caps and projects like the Cozy Cuddle Scrubs initiative that utilises upcycled materials for neonatal care.

Robert continued: “We have been proud to partner with NHS Lothian on the development of Cozy Cuddle Scrubs — an example of innovative thinking from inspired staff leading to a positive green impact and better patient outcomes.

“But on the path to net zero, there is so much more to come from the everyday health service problem solvers who, with the right support, can be enabled to turn ideas into reality. These hardworking people offer the green shoots of transformation.”

Sir Gregor noted that his report underlines the need for connection — that preventing ill health is closely intertwined with addressing the climate emergency.

The CMO said that recognising the interconnected challenges facing Scotland is vital to delivering a sustainable healthcare system that is fit for the future while “easing pressure on our NHS”.

Urging meaningful action, Sir Gregor said: “Addressing the social determinants of health, refocusing our efforts on prevention, and empowering people to prevent ill health is our duty and will benefit everyone in society.

“By nurturing nature, we can improve the health of the people we care for, our communities, and our planet.

“Restoring and strengthening that connection between ourselves and the planet need not be seen as a problem. When it comes to the future health of both, it is part of the solution.”

InnoScot Health’s Sustainability Innovation Call encourages sustainable, forward-thinking ideas from health and social care professionals in a bid to help support NHS Scotland to adapt, develop and strengthen in response to climate change.