Medical Equipment

The production and operation of complex medical equipment produce large volumes of carbon. Much of the work to reduce the impact here lies with manufacturers and suppliers, so it is important we show that this is important to us when we make decisions on new equipment.

Medical equipment also creates waste at the end of its life. We measure this separately in our 'waste' carbon emissions, but it is important to consider lifespan, upgradability, repairability and whether it can be recycled when buying equipment.

We also need to consider how we can encourage the reuse and return of more equipment from patients, such as crutches and wheelchairs. 

What we've done

Include carbon weighting in tender returns to determine the most sustainable fit for purpose equipment and devices.

What we're doing

• Fully quantifying the carbon associated with our current purchasing of medical equipment and devices.
• Using carbon quantification to inform more sustainable and ethical procurement.
• Increasing the tender expectations for large equipment items.
• Research around reusable equipment to replace disposable equipment.