The Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society (CAS) firmly believes that all efforts should be made to reduce the impact of the healthcare sector on the environment while improving the quality of care. CAS has identified key areas in which changes could provide direct improvements on harmful emissions and waste reduction.
Laurie Thomas, Senior Clinical Director of Surgery, St. Joseph’ Health Centre, Unity Health Toronto discusses device remanufacturing in perioperative care.
Amarantha Fennell-Wells starts by discussing the background to nitrous oxide within healthcare and its effects on local and global environments. Alifia Chakera then takes us through her pioneering method into investigating leakage of nitrous oxide within NHS Lothian hospital sites. Dr Chris Allen closes the session by addressing FAQs for conducting a similar type of audit.
Dr. Danette Beechinor, Director of Pharmacy; Dr. Eric Cohen, Deputy Head, Division of Cardiology; Dr. Martin Van Der Vyver, Staff Anesthesiologist – Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre discuss their project to reduce nitrous oxide wastage.
At this session on environmentally sustainable anesthetic practices, Drs. Anita Rao and Peter Menikefs: 1. Describe the scope of the problem 2. Review best practice guidelines for “Greening the OR” 3. By using local data, demonstrate how the implementation of greening practices leads to monetary savings 4. Share how clinical staff can advocate for a more environmentally-friendly workplace
