By its target of 2040, the NHS is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions for the emissions it directly controls. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to address climate change and its impact on health. The rationalisation of warming devices is one area where both cost and environmental savings can be made, to help trusts achieve their net-zero objective.
The net-zero target of the NHS aligns with the UK’s national target of net-zero by 2050 and is supported by the Health and Care Act 2022, which makes the commitment a legal requirement for NHS England, trusts and integrated care boards. The efforts of the NHS are not solely about carbon reduction but also about improving resource efficiency, enhancing patient care environments and delivering long-term financial savings.
In Scotland, the National Green Theatres Programme (NGTP) is also actively working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. To do this, one of the key initiatives of the NGTP is the rationalisation of warming devices in NHS Scotland hospitals. The NGTP team, in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Delivery and NHS Scotland, has produced guidance on transitioning from single-use plastic waste and energy consumption associated with warming devices to more sustainable alternatives. This includes using warming cabinets or shelf warmers, which are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. By reducing the use of single-use devices, the NGTP aims to save over £257,000 annually in Scotland and significantly reduce plastic waste. The programme is part of a broader effort to reduce the carbon footprint of theatres and contribute to Scotland’s net-zero targets.
As the UK distributor for a number of temperature management brands, Central Medical Supplies (CMS) can work with NHS trusts to help them achieve net-zero, by providing a range of long-lasting, high quality warming cabinets and associated products to meet specific needs. CMS is the exclusive distributor for Swedish medical patient warming specialist, Kanmed, a company that prides itself on manufacturing high quality and robust warming devices that can withstand any hospital environment. Kanmed produces a range of cabinets used for warming intravenous fluids, dialysis and irrigation fluids, gel positioning equipment and blankets. CMS also works with temperature management specialist EM-MED, a company that prides itself on a ‘never ending drive for quality’. The company produces a range of bench top and mobile warmers. For over thirty years, EM-MED has been designing and manufacturing advanced therapeutic hypothermia devices and IV fluid warmers, to help hospitals maintain precise patient temperature control in critical care settings.
For advice on warming cabinets, along with specific product information, contact Sarah Ward, Brand and Product Manager at Central Medical Supplies, on 07985 425 397 or email sarah.ward@centralmedical.co.uk. Alternatively, you can find out more by visiting www.centralmedical.co.uk.
