AXREM supports Accelerating the transition towards a net zero NHS, delivering a sustainable and resilient UK healthcare sector report published by Exeter University
22 March 2022
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The report was produced by the University of Exeter Centre for Circular Economy in partnership with Philips UK&I and sets out the scale of the challenge and opportunity for the NHS to become the world’s first net zero national health service by 2040, and help the country meet urgent climate targets.
AXREM Director Sally Edgington wrote the report foreword and in this she said:
The NHS and wider health system are a source of great national pride. Since 1948, the system has provided free at-the-point-of-use health care services to people across the country at their time of greatest need.
During the pandemic, the NHS and its 1.3 million staff have been a source of inspiration for the country, with healthcare workers operating in the most trying circumstances to deliver urgent care for sick COVID-19 patients and continue to deliver wider care needs such as cancer services and routine operations. We all know that as we move to living with the virus, the NHS faces a monumental patient backlog. In modern times, never has the time to support the NHS been greater.
The challenge that coronavirus has posed on our health system has been greater exacerbated by wider and deep-seated social, economic and health concerns. The pandemic has unfolded alongside a backdrop of a global climate emergency, which in itself is also a health emergency. Unabated, the climate crisis will continue to disrupt care, and affect patients and the public at every stage of our lives.
Given the impact of climate change on the health of the population, we must accelerate efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, to leave the planet in a healthy and prosperous state for future generations. With poor environmental health contributing to major diseases, including cardiac problems, asthma and cancer, the right response is therefore not to duck or defer action on these longer-term challenges even as we continue to respond to immediate pressures. It is right to confront them head on and directly.
Latest research from the University of Exeter shows:
- The NHS‘s suppliers account for 62% of all NHS emissions, but suppliers are not making emissions reductions fast enough for the NHS to meet its net zero goal by 2040.
- To begin the decarbonisation journey and meet the challenging targets set, the report is calling for widescale adoption of circular economy practices across the NHS and its suppliers.
The research follows a key commitment made by the Government to achieve a net zero NHS by 2040, a UK-led COP26 Health Programme and £280 million of funding to decarbonise the NHS estate between now and 2025.
The research’s co-author, Professor Markus Zils, Professor for Circular Economy and Management Science at the University of Exeter said: “NHS leaders have outlined their commitments for making health services more sustainable, but the pace of change has to swiftly accelerate. Our research has outlined that meeting the NHS’s ambitious net zero targets is only possible with the adoption of circular economy practices.
On the role of the NHS supply chain, Professor Zils continued, “It is critical that companies and key supply chain partners work with the NHS and wider health system to begin this journey. Such a transformation would dramatically enhance the patient experience, improve financial efficiency and reduce the system’s environmental impact.”
Sally Edgington, AXREM Director said “I am delighted that this research has provided a vital and timely contribution, not only for assessing the scale of the challenge and opportunity, but also providing a clear approach to help the NHS achieve its net zero ambitions. The medical device and technology community must play a critical role, by furthering the recommendations made in this report, and supporting the NHS to fulfil its mandate for providing quality care, while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint.
AXREM shares the viewpoint of the report that the two are not mutually exclusive. The industry must work with the NHS, regulators, HM Government, and suppliers to fulfil this critical and urgent ambition. It is our responsibility to embark on this journey, together. We welcome the research and thank the University of Exeter for their contributions.”
The timing of this report is perfect as AXREM has recently announced the creation of a Sustainability Special Focus Group following a successful Sustainability conference late last year. This will be a group open to all AXREM members giving them a forum to engage with NHS England & Improvement and NHS Supply Chain discussing the latest news in relation to the NHS net zero target. More information about the group can be found here: https://www.axrem.org.uk/sustainability-sfg/
The AXREM Sustainability Convenor, Chris Taylor from Philips UK&I said “Exeter University’s research, commissioned by Philips UKI, clearly demonstrates how the UK’s healthcare sector must unite to reduce our environmental footprint. The research findings are stark, we are facing a climate and health emergency and must adopt a circular economy mindset, to reshape our industry and meet the needs of all generations, now and in the future. It is crucial we work with the NHS and NHS Supply Chain to accelerate the transition to net zero, building a resilient and healthcare system.”
Read the report in full here: Exeter University Accelerating the transition towards a net zero NHS – Delivering a sustainable and resilient UK healthcare sector – AXREM
ENDS
Note:
AXREM’s member companies supply most of the diagnostic medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment installed in UK hospitals. They work with Consultant Radiologists, Radiographers and Practitioners, Oncologists, and a wide range of healthcare professionals in delivering healthcare to patients using our technologies.
Our members have unique knowledge, experience and insight into the workflow and challenges faced by healthcare professionals on a day-to-day basis, which enables us to develop and offer innovative solutions to improve the speed and quality of diagnostic procedures and treatments with our ultimate aim of improving patient care.
Although our members operate in a highly competitive commercial environment and in strict conformity with UK laws and regulations, certain issues such as this require focus and resolution on an industry-wide basis.
For further information about this press release please contact AXREM Director – Sally Edgington
AXREM, Rotherwick House, 3 Thomas More Street, London, E1W 1YZ
E sally.edgington@axrem.org.uk
T 07717 058649