A five-point guide for the UK diagnostic imaging community providing practical advice to start working towards meeting the aims of the NHS’ net-zero carbon targets by 2040 has been launched by Canon Medical Systems UK.
The Canon Medical guide sets out early steps that can be taken by radiographers, clinicians and health managers in procurement or sustainability roles, to start taking strides to improving radiology sustainability. It also dovetails green strategy suggestions to wider digital health innovation transformation initiatives.
The ‘Green Guide for Diagnostic Imaging’ includes five key areas of discussion to champion new thinking inside the imaging community when looking ahead to the NHS’ 2040 net-zero carbon targets:
- How to embrace imaging equipment innovations to reduce departmental energy emissions at the same time as improving patient care
- Why selecting carbon-conscious supply chain partners is key
- The green benefits of taking imaging closer to the community
- Encouraging and rewarding green behaviours to help with cultural change
- Consider the case for standardising medical imaging equipment selection to speed-up access to modern technology.
Mark Hitchman, managing director of Canon Medical Systems, said: “The impact of climate change and destruction of the natural environment is having a dramatic impact around the world. This has a knock-on effect on the long-term health conditions of populations. For example, a rise in air pollution is linked to heart disease, stroke and lung cancer; more heatwaves put additional pressure on the elderly and vulnerable people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions; and poor air quality with aeroallergens drive up the numbers of fit and well people being diagnosed with asthma or other respiratory related illnesses. Now is the time to tackle the ticking timebomb of future healthcare pressures.”
