[Reduced climate impact by resource-efficient surgeries]. / Resurssmarta operationer för lägre klimatpåverkan - Projekt i Västra Götalandsregionen minskade avfallet samtidigt som arbetet blev effektivare.

The Västra Götaland region carried out a project to develop resource-efficient surgeries using standardized hip prosthesis surgery as case. The purpose was to reduce and streamline the use of consumables and thus reduce the climate impact. At the surgery departments of three hospitals, significant variations were found in the supply and use of consumables during operations for total hip replacement (5.0-6.6 kg dry weight/operation). The major part of disposables consisted of surgery textiles, and choosing fossil-free products has the beneficial impact on a carbon footprint. Customized surgical procedure trays significantly reduce the number of packages and result in reduced work load for the staff. However, since there is a long term trend to increase the use of consumables in such sets, there is a need of continuous monitoring of such choices. In summary, a critical review of routines for care and use of materials is a powerful tool for streamlining healthcare and reducing its climate impact.

[Climate impact of healthcare]. / Hälso- och sjukvården påverkar klimatet - Står för 21 procent av den offentliga sektorns utsläpp av växthusgaser ­ nationella, samverkande åtgärder krävs.

The Swedish healthcare's share of public sector greenhouse gas emissions is approximately 20 per cent and this climate impact is mainly due to indirect emissions of purchased goods and services. In Region Västra Götaland, consumables used in healthcare are one of the largest single sources responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, similar to findings in other regions and countries. The focus on reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare is on measures to reduce disposables, to reduce need of transport and to save energy for heating, light, use of computers and medical devices.