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Reduction in greenhouse gases from anaesthetic agents

Widely used anaesthetic gases such as sevoflurane, desflurane and nitrous oxide/entonox are greenhouse gases, with varying atmospheric lifetimes and Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Sevoflurane: Atmospheric lifetime: 1.1 years. GWP100: 130.
Isoflurane: Atmospheric lifetime: 3.2 years. GWP100: 510.
Desflurane: Atmospheric lifetime: 14 years. GWP100: 2540.
Nitrous Oxide: Atmospheric lifetime: 110 years. GWP100: 298.

A multidisciplinary team has been set up to review and address nitrous oxide use and waste. One of our anaesthetic consultants is leading on reducing the use of desflurane and reviewing the usage of nitrous oxide and entonox (laughing gas), with a view to reduce usage, leakage, and possibly theft.

In percentage of usage and carbon emission terms (tCO2e), the Trust has made significant improvement since January 2022.

The two main sites used 75.4% of desflurane and 24.6% Sevoflurane in June 2021 – equivalent to 53.58 tCO2e and 8.76 tCO2e respectively.

However, in May 2022 the Trust has used only 5.8% of desflurane and 94.2% Sevoflurane, which equates to 8.9 tCO2e and 7.7 tCO2e respectively.

Unexpected closure of lifts in Beeden House and reduced lift capacity in the Main Block, Bedford Hospital

Beeden House

We have had to make the difficult decision to close both lifts in Beeden House after finding an unexpected fault during routine maintenance.

This means that there will be disruption to services and appointments on the upper floors of Beeden House.

We are currently contacting patients to find the best individual solution for them, minimise disruption and ensure they continue to receive the care they need. At this point you do not need to contact us, we will contact all affected patients.

The decision to close the lifts was hard, but we felt it was the safest decision to best protect our patients and staff.

Reduced lift capacity in the Main Block

Please be aware our lifts in the Main Block currently have reduced capacity. In order to maintain lift functions and minimise traffic in the remaining lifts, we will be prioritising high priority movements.

Staff, patients and visitors can access the main block lifts if required, but may be asked to wait at main reception while other priority movements are made. A minimum of 4 people will be required before the lift departs. Security staff operating the lifts will be mindful that not all disabilities are visible and make appropriate accommodations for non-ambulant staff and visitors.

We apologise for the inconvenience the closure of lifts and reduced lift capacity will cause.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support.