NHS Golden Jubilee removes Desflurane from NHS Scotland’s supply chain

NHS Golden Jubilee, which runs the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital, has removed Desflurane from NHS Scotland’s supply chain through its Centre for Sustainable Delivery’s National Green Theatres Programme. 

Desflurane is a volatile anaesthetic gas that is used to induce and maintain anesthesia in adults and children. 

However, this greenhouse gas is 2,540 times more potent than an equivalent mass of CO₂, according to the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.

Building on the successful removal of Desflurane, the National Green Theatres Programme published ten actions for implementation in the last year that will save 20,000 tonnes of CO₂, with a projected green dividend financial saving of £6.8m.  

Desflurane is a volatile anaesthetic gas that is used to induce and maintain anesthesia in adults and children

Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee, Gordon James, said: "NHS Golden Jubilee is proud to be at the forefront of sustainability, not only within NHS Scotland but on a global scale." 

Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP visited NHS Golden Jubilee today to learn about its pioneering work on the National Green Theatres Programme and its commitment to becoming Scotland’s greenest hospital.  

Gray, said: "The Golden Jubilee University National Hospital is Scotland’s flagship hospital for elective and specialist care, but also deserves praise for being at the forefront of sustainability within NHS Scotland.

"NHS Scotland overall needs to reduce waste and promote the circular economy to help limit the impact of health care on the environment. The Green Theatres Programme is a key part of the effort to meet net-zero targets for NHS Scotland."