Event Overview:

Join us for an enlightening and impactful session dedicated to sustainable healthcare solutions with past NSW Ministry of Health Net Zero Leads in Emergency, Surgery, Allied Health and Imaging.

Our healthcare systems face unprecedented challenges, but together, we can take small steps that make a huge impact. This event includes presentations, a Q&A session and an opportunity to connect and learn with like-minded healthcare professionals with an interest in driving sustainability across our systems.

This session is designed to inspire and equip you with the knowledge and tools to drive high-value care and reduce waste.

Why Attend?

Our healthcare systems face unsustainable challenges due to a projected ageing population and increasing risks from heat, floods, and bushfires. 30% of healthcare practices are considered low value, providing little or no benefit to patients. By collaborating, we can deliver better, tailored care, reduce waste, and optimize health funding.

The health community now recognizes fossil fuels as significant health hazards, contributing to an estimated 5.1 million excess deaths per year globally due to air pollution. The healthcare system itself contributes over 5% of Australia’s fossil fuel emissions, exacerbating climate-related health impacts.

However, we have an opportunity to reverse this trend. By decreasing emissions and improving our patient care delivery, we can make a substantial impact. Join us to learn how small, collective individual shifts can lead to significant, positive changes in our healthcare system and the environment.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday 24th Sept
Optional drop in times:
6-6.30pm Social drinks
6.30-7.45pm Short impactful talks and Q&A with the panel
7.45-9pm Social drinks +/- dinner
Location: Dobell Room, Rydges, Wharf Rd and Mereweather St, Newcastle 2300

Presenters and Panel :

Dr. Brian O’Connell - The Rational Investigations Program - Driving high value care, one test at a time.
Emergency Physician Coffs Clinical Network, Sustainable Healthcare Lead MNCLHD, General Practitioner,
Deputy Chair sEMCAN, Director CAHA, UNSW Conj Lecturer, Past Net Zero Lead for Emergency, MoH

Harnessing tailored clinical decision making, improved efficiencies, reduced waste, and massive savings, the RiP has delivered success since its launch in July 2023. Based on 20 years of work and seven programs across three states, the RiP initiative has used novel behavioural science and change management innovations to optimise success. No adverse incidents were identified and the RiP-ple effect towards reducing low value care has started a cascade of similar clinical initiatives in emergency departments around the state. This program has expanded to other ICUs and EDs with a vision to scale out across the NSW Health. The RiP demonstrates that funded clinician-led programs have a high return of investment along with significant clinical and carbon positive outcomes.
Dr Stanley Chen - Taking a scalpel to theatre waste
General Surgeon specialising in HPB and upper GI surgery. Past Net Zero Lead for Surgery, Ministry of Health

Theatres produce 30% of a hospital’s waste. Up to 10% of healthcare is thought to be potentially harmful and 30% low value care according to the literature. Net Zero surgical initiatives include a feasibility pilot intervention trialling reusable textiles and driving significant change within HNELHD to reduce other single use items including single-use diathermy pads, disposable light handles, etc.
Tina Wilkie - Scaling up the Gloves Off campaign will deliver millions of dollars of savings plus huge waste reductions.
Speech Pathologist, JHH, Past Net Zero Lead for Allied Health, Ministry of Health

Our pilot showed 60% of non-sterile glove use was unnecessary for the clinical task. Our intervention showed unnecessary glove use was reduced to 31%. We use 28.3 million non-sterile gloves in the HNELHD every year. The Gloves Off concept and learnings can be utilised for other clinical initiatives and lead to transformational change, financial savings, and better healthcare.
Nicholas Marks - Flicking the switch on financial and carbon waste
Diagnostic radiographer, Calvary Mater, Section Manager, CT service, Past Net Zero Lead for Imaging, Ministry of Health

Energy to deliver medical imaging has a substantial carbon footprint and financial cost. The total energy used by a CT scanner in idle state can be 14-30 times higher than the energy used for active scans. This Net Zero pilot on powering off unused CT scanners demonstrates how staff behavioural change can reduce energy consumption by approximately 32%. This equates to 7,280 kWh and approximately 5.5tonnes CO2e saved annually.

Topics for consideration

Reducing Low Value Care
- Unnecessary pathology testing
- Surgical sustainability initiatives
- Glove use
- Cannula Reduction
- De-prescribing Unnecessary Medications
Energy stewardship
- CT switch for savings
- Lights off programs
- Computer shut down initiatives
Moving healthcare facilities towards plant-based menus
- Showcasing successful programs across jurisdictions