Green endoscopy: using quality improvement to develop sustainable practice

FGTwitter debate: green gastroenterology – are we nearly there yet?

“…As health professionals, we have a vital role in mitigating the impact of healthcare systems on the environment and protecting patients from the health impacts of climate change. A survey by NHS Sustainable Development Unit reported that 98% of NHS staff believe that health and care systems should work in ways which support the environment, 9 and the majority (86%) of leaders in international gastroenterology believe that climate change represents a crisis. 11 It is encouraging that global GI leadership recognises sustainability as a critical issue, and large organisations are increasingly considering their responsibilities to minimise climate impact.…”

“…A process whereby patients can have scans the same day for newly diagnosed cancers or incomplete procedures can save on patient travel. Similarly, in some circumstances, an alternative test may be considered appropriate, for example, faecal calprotectin to monitor inflammatory bowel disease activity in place of a colonoscopy 9. A summary of measures to consider to improve your endoscopy unit’s green credentials is presented in box 1.…”

Green endoscopy: practical implementation

“…As climate change has far-reaching consequences for us all, it is clear that healthcare needs to make this a priority. With endoscopy being the third highest waste producing department in the National Health Service (NHS) with theatres/anaesthetics and paediatrics/critical care being the departments which produce higher volumes of waste 1 2. The impact on human health of climate change is obvious and healthcare needs to respond urgently to the issue.…”

Greener gastroenterology and hepatology: the British Society of Gastroenterology Strategy for Climate Change and Sustainability

“…There are adverse health effects due to climate change, but healthcare itself is a major contributor to GHG emissions: 4% of the total in England2 and 8.5% in the USA 3. Within a hospital environment, endoscopy is the third-biggest contributor to GHG emissions,4 and the green endoscopy group based in the UK, but with a growing international membership, has led the way globally with publications raising awareness and offering practical advice on how to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of endoscopy 5–7…”