In the face of the world's greatest health challenge, the healthcare sector is taking a hard look at its own contribution to the problem. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified climate change as the single biggest health threat, claiming the lives of 13 million people annually. In Australia, the healthcare sector is responsible for 7% of the nation's total emissions, with Queensland's public health system contributing nearly 50% of government emissions, primarily due to electricity consumption. This has prompted all 16 of the state's public health services to implement sustainability measures across various aspects, from procurement to design, recycling, and energy reduction. Children's Health Queensland (CHQ) has been at the forefront of this initiative, introducing environmentally sustainable practices and recently publishing its third sustainability plan. Sustainability consultant Renae McBrien highlights the importance of showing the next generation that change is possible, stating, 'We're trying to map sustainability, not be a burden on the system, but an opportunity.' CHQ has generated approximately $1.6 million in savings through initiatives like metal recycling, which now includes platinum, iridium, gold wires, and silver in conductive materials used in sleep, respiratory, and cardiac studies. The 'Green Team' program has also proven popular among staff, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation. CHQ is now collaborating with the Solving Plastic Waste CRC to develop a research project focused on understanding and utilizing medical plastics more sustainably. The Australian government has launched the National Health and Climate Strategy to better prepare health services for climate change impacts, recognizing the sector's vulnerability to changing disease patterns and health impacts. Kevin Phillips, Director of the Office of Hospital Sustainability, emphasizes the need for continuous change in an industry that operates 24/7, ensuring that sustainability initiatives do not compromise healthcare delivery. Metro North Hospital and Health Service has already implemented over 50 recycling initiatives in just five years, while the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane has decommissioned reticulated nitrous oxide anaesthetic gas, replacing it with portable canisters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite infrastructure challenges, sustainability initiatives are gaining momentum in Queensland's Wide Bay region, with solar panel installations and waste diversion programs underway. Associate Professor Angie Bone highlights the growing momentum in sustainability, noting a shift in focus from obvious measures to more nuanced aspects like supply chains and resource stewardship. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has introduced a new module on healthcare sustainability and resilience, aiming to integrate sustainability into existing quality-improvement frameworks. With strong support for including sustainability in the next edition of the National Safety and Quality Health Service standards in 2030, the healthcare sector is poised to make significant strides in addressing its environmental impact while enhancing patient care and financial efficiency.
