Expansion of successful Green Healthcare Programme

Renamed NHS Green Healthcare Scotland (NGHS), led by NHS Golden Jubilee’s national Centre for Sustainable Delivery, the service will expand to include Renal and Endoscopy services across the country.  

Having already delivered savings of 12,000 tonnes of CO₂e, the programme is projected to save more than 20,000 tonnes annually for the NHS in Scotland. 

Katie Cuthbertson, National Director CfSD, said: "This allows us to build on a proven track record of delivering real change.  

“By expanding into new specialties, we’re helping NHS Scotland reduce its environmental impact while maintaining patient care. 

“It’s a win for sustainability, efficiency, and for the future of healthcare." 

Renal and Endoscopy Services were identified through a recent scoping exercise commissioned by the Scottish Government.  

Both specialties present clear opportunities for environmental and financial savings.  

David Taggart, Head of Climate Change and Delivery in the National Green Healthcare Programme, said: 

“This expansion is a natural next step for the programme.  

“We’ve seen the impact that sustainable practices can have in operating theatres, both environmentally and financially, and we know that Renal and Endoscopy Services can benefit in the same way. 

“By broadening our focus, we’re supporting more clinical teams to deliver care that’s not only effective but also aligned with our climate responsibilities.” 

Renal Services are delivered across Scotland, offer opportunities for estimated savings of 2,500 tonnes of CO₂e and £1.2 million annually.  

Additionally, through exploring reusable supplies and low carbon decontamination technologies, Endoscopy offers potential savings of 3,000 tonnes of CO₂e and £1.5 million annually.  

These projects build on the proven track record of clinically led improvements delivered under the National Green Theatre Programme reducing emissions, cutting waste, and freeing up vital resources for patient care.

Health boards have worked on implementing 14 carbon-saving actions, avoiding over 12,000 tonnes of CO₂ which is the equivalent of removing more than 7,000 cars from the road for a year, and in addition have saved £600,000 through a range of greener practices.  

Flagship initiatives like Lean Trays are transforming surgical efficiency, while pilots on reusable items and national adoption of 10 further actions show how sustainability is being embedded across NHS Scotland. 

For more information, visit: https://www.nhscfsd.co.uk/our-work/national-green-theatres-programme/