Researchers at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) are working with Lancaster University to help hospitals reduce “gas and air” waste. This follows a £1 million award to the university by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), to lead this research.
“Gas and air”, commonly used for pain relief during labour, is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the NHS. It contains nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes significantly to climate change.
The “Childbirth, Choice and Climate Change” project will run from 2026 until 2028 and includes partners from MFT, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester.
The project will explore how the NHS can reduce its carbon footprint by addressing waste associated with gas and air in maternity services, without restricting access to pain relief and while recognising the importance of choice in childbirth.
Professor Cliff Shelton, the study’s Co-Principal investigator and Consultant Anaesthetist at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of MFT said:
Previous work has demonstrated that there is often a large amount of waste in medical gas supply and delivery systems. This study will build on that work and find ways to reduce waste, without preventing people from getting the healthcare that they need.
The team emphasises that the project will not reduce the choices available to pregnant women.
MFT is one of six NHS Trusts that will bring together several different types of research. This includes interviews and observations with pregnant women, new parents, midwives, doctors and engineers, combined with innovative approaches to measure gas and air use and waste. This will help the team to understand how much waste there is, where it comes from, and how and why it happens.
The project team will then develop and test practical ways to reduce gas and air waste in hospitals. Working alongside maternity staff, professional organisations and national bodies, the learning from the project will also help shape national guidance and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the NHS.
The team plans to include one or more MFT hospitals as a case study site, subject to approvals.
Professor Alex Heazell, Professor of Obstetrics and Honorary Consultant Obstetrician, Saint Mary’s Hospital, and Co-Investigator for the study at MFT, said:
This study presents an exciting opportunity to work with our patients and research participants to significantly reduce the impact of maternity services on our planet while improving people’s experiences and care.
Elizabeth Murphy, Midwife, Saint Mary’s Hospital said:
I am looking forward to being a member of this research team and learning from the other professionals involved who are from a range of different backgrounds. As a midwife it is exciting to have an opportunity to promote efficiency and mitigate against waste in the NHS while ensuring that pregnant women have access to the most effective pain relief of their choice.