Climate change is the biggest health threat facing humanity today. It’s not only worsening existing health problems, such as infections from vector-borne diseases and waterborne infections, but it is also creating new health challenges.
At our February 2024 meeting, the IPS Management Executive made the important decision to officially declare that the climate emergency is a health emergency.
The main driver of climate change is the rise in greenhouse gases, especially from burning fossil fuels. 2023 was the hottest year on record, and carbon dioxide levels are at their highest in at least 800,000 years. The healthcare sector itself accounts for nearly 5% of global emissions, which means we all have a role to play in tackling this crisis. As infection prevention and control (IPC) practitioners, we have the expertise and responsibility to help reduce the health sector’s impact on the environment.
For these reasons, the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is joining a growing number of healthcare organisations in declaring a climate and health emergency.
We are committed to taking action to improve sustainability in IPC. Here are some of the steps we’ve already taken:
Research has shown that much of the glove use in healthcare is unnecessary. Unwarranted glove use can increase infection risk, harm healthcare staff, and generate excess waste and CO2 emissions. Instead of using gloves for every task, we can protect patients and staff by choosing hand hygiene. This reduces harm to both people and the planet.
The Intensive Care Society’s Gloves Off in Critical Care campaign has our full support. We encourage all healthcare facilities to implement this initiative in critical care units and beyond.
This free course on glove use was developed by the RCN in collaboration with NHS England. The course covers:
This course is available for all staff and care settings, and participants can collaborate to reduce inappropriate glove use and care for their skin. Access the course here.
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare offers consultancy on sustainable healthcare practice and research, helping national and local programmes reduce their environmental impact. Learn more about their work and QI projects here.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Lighter Footprint
Find out what you can do to reduce your environmental impact with giki zero. Explore practical steps here.
The Greener NHS Programme
The Greener NHS programme works with NHS staff and hospitals to reduce the healthcare sector’s impact on public health and the environment. The programme shares ideas and aims to reach carbon net zero. Find out more here.
Carbon Literacy
Carbon Literacy teaches individuals, communities, and organisations about the carbon footprint of everyday activities and motivates them to take action to reduce emissions. Learn more about the Carbon Literacy Project here.
Where to Recycle Your Healthcare Equipment
MedAID is a charity that bridges the gap between surplus medical equipment and under-resourced hospitals abroad. Learn more about their work and see how you can donate unwanted medical equipment here.
