Sustainability is as crucial in Irish healthcare, as it is globally
The biggest global health threat of the 21st Century is global warming, according to the 2023 report of ‘The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change’. The healthcare sector represents 10 per cent of the global economy and contributes 4.4 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.71 per cent of these emissions are primarily derived from the health care supply chain through the production, transport and disposal of goods and services. The Irish healthcare sector is responsible for an estimated 5 per cent of the country’s Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Sustainability is as crucial in Irish healthcare, as it is globally. To ensure the long-term viability of the system we must prioritise efficient resource use, environmental impact and reuse where possible. Sustainable practices help ensure that resources are deployed more efficiently. This includes reducing unnecessary single-use plastics, minimising water and energy waste and optimising supply chains improving waste management and sourcing sustainable materials.
A sustainable healthcare system improves overall public health by minimising pollution, improving air quality, and reducing exposure to hazardous materials. Air pollution and toxic waste contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. By adopting sustainable practices, Ireland can address health challenges linked to environmental degradation, improving population health and reducing the strain on services. Ireland, as a member of the European Union, has committed to sustainability goals, including the European Green Deal. The healthcare sector plays a crucial role in helping Ireland achieve these targets, by reducing GHGs and promoting the circular economy. Healthcare can demonstrate leadership in circularity lifecycle by reviewing products and services as a system for reusability. Extend producer responsibility and challenge suppliers to take it back, so we can reuse, recycle.
Pursuing sustainability in healthcare encourages innovation in medical technologies, practices and business models. Ireland has a thriving med-tech and pharmaceutical sector. Sustainable healthcare practices will only service to increase innovation in these industries. Furthermore, a commitment to sustainability enhances Ireland’s reputation globally as a forward-thinking, responsible nation. Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) recognises the link between the health and wellbeing of individuals and the health and wellbeing of the environment. We are committed to stimulating and supporting the development of innovative products and services that promote environmental sustainability in healthcare. That is the foundation upon which, this month, we launched Ireland’s first national Greentech in Healthcare call with the HSE and the Irish College of GPs.
Open to all companies, researchers, organisations, of any size or origin, the call is focussed on three key areas. The focus areas are informed by HIHI Clinical Sustainability Advisors (CSA) – frontline workers from across the country who are committed to sustainability in Irish healthcare. The first focus area is ‘production’ – single-use medical products often involve resource-intensive processes, using plastics
and other materials that require significant energy inputs. This results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions. The next focus area is ‘disposal’ – many healthcare items are designed for single use and create a constant stream of waste. The disposal process, whether it involves incineration (which can release harmful emissions and substances) or landfilling (which leads to issues like leachate, soil contamination, and methane emissions), adds to the environmental and health burden. The third focus area is ‘decontamination’ – the combination of processes including cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation used to render reusable invasive medical devices safe for handling by staff and for service users. Effective decontamination of reusable invasive medical devices is an essential component in the prevention of healthcare associated infections.
The CSAs including Dr Lisa McNamee, GP, Dr Cathy Burke, Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), Dr Ana Rakovac Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) and Michael Duane, University Hospital Galway (UHG), have also highlighted a particular need to develop and test alternatives in the following areas: Syringes/sharps, bottles, packaging, cutlery and crockery, nappies and sanitary products, medical textiles (including surgical gowns, theatre drapes, aprons, masks, hats accessories). HIHI will test and evaluate the winning submissions. HIHI is a joint government initiative of the Department of Health and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, which is delivered through a national HSE and Enterprise Ireland partnership. Applications to the national Greentech in Healthcare call will be reviewed in two stages. Stage one comprises review of all applications. Applicants that progress to stage two will be invited to pitch before a panel of experts. For full submission details, timelines and how to apply please visit: hihi.ie
Written by Eimear Galvin, HIHI GreenTech lead