Driving sustainability in healthcare: A call to action for the perioperative team

Sustainability is central to the NHS Long Term Plan, with increasing recognition of its role in ensuring the long-term viability of healthcare. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has explored incorporating sustainability into professional standards, reflecting growing support for environmentally responsible practices. Additionally, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has introduced an environmental sustainability plan to mitigate healthcare’s ecological impact. The UK health and care system contributes 4–5% of national carbon emissions, prompting legislative action through the Health and Care Act 2022. The NHS has already achieved a 30% reduction in emissions since 2010, with further reductions expected to yield significant health benefits. Whether exploring reflective waste reduction strategies in theatres or engaging with innovative leadership programmes, perioperative practitioners are uniquely positioned to lead sustainability efforts.