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Reducing medical gas emissions in NHS trusts

Nitrous oxide makes up over 80% of NHS medical gas emissions. Studies show that up to a staggering 99% of it is wasted through leaks and poor stock control. Reducing this waste is critical to meeting the NHS’ net zero targets.

We worked with NHS England to create the Nitrous Oxide Toolkit that can help trusts cut waste safely and effectively. One key solution is switching from piped gas to portable cylinders which are simpler, require smaller gas volumes, and can significantly cut emissions and costs.

We delivered a series of webinars with NHS experts to support trusts to take action, network and share learnings. Through interviews, focus groups and site visits, we have reached trusts from all seven regions in England.

Pharmacist Alifia Chakera first raised the alarm on this issue and inspired this work. Her leadership continues to shape the NHS response and contributed to the development of our toolkit.

I am being contacted by so many people about the work and so many trusts have been inspired by the toolkit and the webinars – even convinced another trust to move to portable cylinders! You have successfully created a powerful network.
Laura Stevenson
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

An NHS trust engineer preparing to decommission a nitrous oxide manifold, supporting the transition to portable cylinders