The Right Chamber – E9 Small changes, big differences

In this episode, we explore the critical link between procurement and sustainability in the NHS, uncovering how clinical purchasing decisions directly impact the journey toward net-zero emissions. Our guests Clare Nash and Ninette Harris, experts in procurement and sustainability, discuss the pressing need to reduce the NHS’s carbon footprint—62% of which comes from the products, services, and medicines it purchases. We dive into real-world initiatives, such as shifting from single-use to reusable tourniquets, which has already saved £40,000 annually at Sandwell NHS Trust while significantly reducing waste. Similar projects focus on reducing unnecessary medical tests, rethinking packaging waste, and encouraging greener patient care practices like the “Bathroom First” approach. These changes not only benefit the planet but also enhance patient care and free up valuable clinical time. A key theme throughout our discussion is the delicate balance between maintaining patient safety and implementing sustainable alternatives. While single-use items are often necessary for sterility, there are opportunities to work with suppliers to develop lower-waste solutions. In some cases, even cost-saving initiatives have been rejected due to their negative environmental impact, demonstrating that sustainability must be a core factor in procurement decisions. We also highlight the role of medical education in fostering a sustainability mindset among healthcare professionals. Encouraging clinicians to critically assess whether tests, procedures, and equipment are truly necessary can help reduce unnecessary waste while improving patient outcomes. As NHS supply chains evolve, sustainability is becoming embedded in procurement regulations, ensuring that suppliers align with net-zero targets by 2040. Through innovation, education, and collaboration, the healthcare sector can drive meaningful environmental change—one procurement decision at a time. Tune in to learn how simple changes in clinical practice can contribute to a greener, more efficient NHS. Useful links: Hub page: Greener NHS – Home Join the Nursing & Midwifery Sustainability Network: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO4ziFAbENx3VIrxe_i6Fw_R5UNUdXSzk5TzBJQ0lSVFVYOExOMFM0MTI1Ny4u NHS England » 4th Health and climate adaptation report   Contact details: [email protected] If you’d like to appear on a future episode of The Right Chamber, or you would like us to cover a particular topic, please email us: [email protected], or contact us on our social channels.