It’s not easy being green – a tool for choosing sustainable clinical products

How a tool comparing the impact of clinical products on our planet can influence greener decisions in healthcare to meet the net zero aims of the NHS

Abstract

Understanding the impact of the care we deliver on our planet is critical in meeting NHS net-zero ambitions. Almost every patient contact will involve the use of a clinical product, and while many life cycle analysis papers are written on specific products or care pathways, very little is published on comparing one supplier’s product with another to select the greenest option. To address this gap in evidence, a tool was developed to take a deeper dive into a product’s life cycle, without needing to undertake a longer, more complex evaluation, aimed at nurses making everyday decisions in procuring for net-zero aims.

Citation: Nash C (2023) It’s not easy being green – a tool for choosing sustainable clinical products. Nursing Times [online]; 119: 8.

Author: Clare Nash is senior nurse in clinical procurement, The Black Country Alliance Procurement Team: Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.