Horton General Hospital Reduces Carbon Emissions with Nitrous Oxide SwitchHorton General Hospital Reduces Carbon Emissions with Nitrous Oxide Switch The Horton General Hospital has implemented a significant change in its nitrous oxide supply, resulting in an estimated annual carbon dioxide equivalent emission reduction of over 500 tonnes. By replacing piped nitrous oxide with locally stored cylinders, the hospital has addressed the issue of gas waste and leakage. Nitrous oxide, occasionally used for sedation and pain relief during surgeries, has a high greenhouse gas potential. The hospital’s previous piped system led to excessive waste and the risk of gas leaks. However, by switching to portable cylinders, the hospital has significantly reduced its nitrous oxide consumption. The initiative aligns with Oxford University Hospitals’ commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. An audit conducted by the university revealed that the Horton hospital previously accounted for only 5% of nitrous oxide ordered for the piped system. Dr. Marta Astraverkhava, Consultant Anaesthetist, expressed pride in the team’s dedication to reducing environmental impact. The hospital’s change in approach demonstrates the commitment of Banbury’s Newsteam to sustainability. The annual carbon emissions savings from this switch are equivalent to the emissions produced by leaving a low-energy light bulb on for 39,133 years. Additionally, the reduction in nitrous oxide usage is comparable to the emissions associated with over 261,000 return train journeys between Banbury and Oxford.
From left: Aaron Fleming (Anaesthetic Registrar), James Boyd-Horton (Horton Operating Department Practitioner), Karen Wentworth-Foster (Horton Theatre Manager), Marta Astraverkhava (Anaesthetic Consultant)
The annual saving is equivalent to the emission produced by leaving a low-energy light bulb on for 39,133 years
Removing piped nitrous oxide from the Horton General Hospital and replacing it with locally stored cylinders is set to save more than 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emission every year.
Portable supplies of the gas have been in use when needed in the operating theatres since February this year. Its used occasionally by anaesthetists for sedation and pain relief, but is a greenhouse gas.
Supplying nitrous oxide using pipelines around the hospital was found to be wasteful with a risk of leaks. Now much smaller amounts of the gas are kept on site.
An Oxford University Hospitals audit suggested that the Horton was only around 5% of the nitrous oxide ordered for the piped system. The annual saving is equivalent to the emission produced by 261,586 return train journeys between Banbury and Oxford.
Dr Marta Astraverkhava, a Consultant Anaesthetist, said: “We as a team were determined to identify nitrous oxide wastage so we could reduce its environmental impact and support the Trust- and NHS-wide pledge to be net zero by 2040.
“We are proud to be able to change our approach at the Horton and vastly reduce the amount of nitrous oxide being wasted.”
Published: 09/07/2024 11:29am by Banbury FM Newsteam
