Diisocyanates in the Healthcare Setting

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As healthcare settings are moving away from plaster of Paris products to synthetic products there is an increased risk to staff exposure to diisocyanates, which are present in the resins and other products used within departments such as fracture clinics and prosthetic laboratories.

The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) has adopted guidance from the European Union which introduced mandatory training for workers from August 2023.

The BOA Casting Sub Committee recommends that all healthcare professional who use synthetic casting and splinting materials contact their casting material suppliers in order to undertake product safety and education training to comply with UK REACH regulations.[1]

Further to training, the law requires you to adequately control exposure to materials in the workplace that cause ill health. This is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).

The DFG BAT Biological Tolerance Value for HDI is 15µg/g (approx. 15µmol/mol creatinine) and for MDI is 10µg/L (approx. 4µmol/mol creatinine). [2]

Monitoring for Diisocyanates

A case study carried out in in 19 French polyurethane industries has shown that total MDA in post-shift urine samples is a reliable biomarker to assess occupational exposure to methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in various industrial applications. [3]

The Health and Safety Executive HSE and British Occupation Hygiene Society BOHS have each produced guidance on biological monitoring.

This is designed to ensure that even with adequate training and control measures in place, staff are not exposed to excessive levels of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI).

Biological monitoring for chemicals helps prevent unacceptable health risks by providing information on the control of occupational exposure.

It can give an indication of absorption by all routes of exposure. Consequently, it is often used to complement personal air monitoring (which measures the concentration of a chemical in the air in a person’s breathing zone).

Therefore biological monitoring may be particularly useful for those chemicals which are easily absorbed through the skin or taken in by ingestion, or where exposure is controlled by personal protective equipment. [4]

Cairn Technology Monitoring

Cairn Technology has adopted biological monitoring to assist our healthcare customers in assuring that they comply with COSHH as set out above.

If you require further information on how we can assist you please do not hesitate to contact us at info@cairntechnology.com or call one of the team on 0333 015 4345 who will be happy to help.

References:
(1) British Orthopaedic Association
(2) Research and guidance from HSE, Biological Monitoring Guidance Values.
(3) A. Robert, P. Ducos, +1 author P. Marsan. Published in International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 28 February 2007.
(4) HSG167 (Second edition, published 1997)

Cairn Technology supports CHSF with Halloween Fundraiser

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Cairn Technology’s staff got creative in the kitchen this October and magicked up some amazing Halloween treats for a freaky fundraising fuddle.

All monies raised went to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), taking Cairn Technology to a fundraising total of over £3,800 since starting to donate in November 2021.

We are very proud to be supporting this amazing charity, as it provides life-saving medical equipment for the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU), as well as parent accommodation for families, and vital ward resources.

In addition, the CHSF also funds staff training, scientific research, and new clinical roles.

We have a particularly strong personal connection with the charity, as one of our staff members has a daughter who was treated at the Heart Unit.

Why help this children’s charity?

Every year the charity supports over 23,000 congenital heart disease patients, heart families and NHS Staff across Yorkshire, Humberside, Northeast Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire.

In addition, around 350 patients a year have open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and around 700 babies, children and adults have interventional procedures such as pacemakers, catheters and stents.

Every child who has open heart surgery at Leeds receives a teddy called Katie Bear, a medal and a certificate from CHSF.

So, if you are looking to support a children’s charity, this one should definitely be at the top of your list. And there are so many ways that you can get involved!

To get started, why not  order a free fundraising pack which will give you plenty of fundraising ideas.

You can also find out about the various scheduled CHSF fundraising events at this link: https://www.chsf.org.uk/events/

4 Reasons to Invest in Stille Cardiothoracic Instruments

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Cardiothoracic instruments need to be precise, durable and easy to handle in order to provide the consultant cardiothoracic surgeon with optimum support. Here, we look at four good reasons to invest in Stille’s offering:

1. Cardiothoracic scissors that provide the ultimate cut

Stille made the original SuperCut scissors combining one knife blade and one scissor blade for precise cutting to the very tip.

Stille’s vascular scissors and dissecting scissors embrace this design, giving the surgeon exceptional cutting performance in delicate procedures.

Stille’s SuperCut vascular scissors come with fine or extra fine blades at 25°, 45°, 60°, 90° and 125° angles.

Its wide range of Stille SuperCut Mayo and Metzenbaum style dissecting scissors include delicate scissors with diamond coated blades for extended durability, and ergonomic versions for reduced hand fatigue.

 

2. Micro instruments for fine work through to heavy duty

Stille’s range of micro instruments is ideal for cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgery. From ultra fine scissors to heavy duty needle holders and atraumatic forceps, the surgeon has an extensive range to choose from.

For surgeons preferring to use titanium for reduced user fatigue during procedures, Stille also offers titanium models of its micro needle holders and micro forceps.

 

3. Reduced carbon footprint

As Stille’s instruments are handmade through 70 stages with high quality stainless steel or titanium, they come with a warranty of 30 years, provided they are used, serviced and maintained as advised.

This means that their use involves a much lower carbon footprint for NHS and private hospitals, compared to disposable instruments or reusable instruments that are only warrantied for a couple of years use.

You can find out more how Stille surgical instrument help hospitals reduce their carbon footprint by clicking here.

 

4. Ease of maintenance for SSD

During manufacturing, Stille pays particular attention to both to the quality of finish on the instruments and effective design for maintenance, making it the ideal choice for your Sterile Services Department.

Even when servicing Stille instruments, its craftsman can take used instruments apart for optimum refurbishing, bringing them back to their original condition, before sending them back to you.

You can click here to find out how used Stille scissors are brought back to top condition during instrument servicing.

Want to find out more about our cardiothoracic instruments?

To read about Stille’s range of cardiovascular and cardiothoracic instruments, including vascular forceps, vascular clamps, nerve hooks and retractors, click here.

Alternatively, call us on 0333 015 4345 to discuss your needs.

 

Advances in Plastic Surgery

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Plastic surgery has undergone remarkable transformations in recent years, with technological advances and innovative techniques revolutionizing the field. These innovations not only enhance the outcomes of procedures but also contribute to improved safety, reduced recovery times, and increased patient satisfaction. In this article, we will explore some of the cutting-edge innovations in plastic surgery that are shaping the future of the industry.

1. 3D Printing Technology: Precision in Reconstruction

One of the most groundbreaking innovations in plastic surgery is the integration of 3D printing technology. This technology allows surgeons to create precise, customized implants and prosthetics tailored to individual patient needs. In reconstructive surgery, 3D printing has been particularly beneficial, enabling surgeons to replicate intricate anatomical structures with remarkable accuracy. This has led to more natural-looking results and improved functionality for patients undergoing procedures such as breast reconstruction or facial reconstruction.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) in Surgical Planning

Augmented Reality is making its mark in plastic surgery by offering surgeons a dynamic and interactive tool for preoperative planning. With AR, surgeons can visualize and manipulate three-dimensional images of a patient’s anatomy in real time. This allows for more accurate planning of incisions, implant placement, and other surgical interventions. By enhancing surgical precision and reducing the margin of error, AR is contributing to safer surgeries and better outcomes.

3. Non-Surgical Innovations: Thread Lifts and Injectable Fillers

Advancements in non-surgical procedures have gained significant popularity in recent years. Thread lifts, for example, involve the use of dissolvable threads to lift and tighten sagging skin, providing a minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelifts. Injectable fillers, on the other hand, have seen continuous improvement with the introduction of new formulations and techniques, offering more natural and longer-lasting results without the need for surgery.

4. Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

The integration of regenerative medicine into plastic surgery is opening new possibilities for tissue repair and regeneration. Stem cell therapy is revealing its potential to enhance wound healing and promote the regeneration of damaged tissues. Tissue engineering involves the creation of artificial tissues and organs using a combination of cells, biomaterials, and growth factors. These approaches hold promise for improving the outcomes of reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries.

5. Robot-Assisted Surgery: Precision and Efficiency

Robot-assisted surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent in plastic surgery, offering surgeons enhanced precision and control. These robotic systems can perform complex procedures with smaller incisions, resulting in less scarring and faster recovery times. The integration of robotics is particularly beneficial in procedures such as microsurgery, where precision is crucial for success.

Combining Advances in Plastic Surgery with Trusted Methods

Plastic surgeons continue to embrace innovations and advances to deliver improved results and reduced recovery times.

In addition, by using the very best existing technology in plastic surgery, such as hand-crafted surgical instruments that are designed to last decades and offer exceptional performance, the plastic surgeon can embrace both tried-and-tested and innovative solutions for optimum outcomes.

From SuperCut scissors, that offer precise cutting to the very tip, to double action rongeurs that enable the jaws to stay in orientation, high quality surgical instruments that are specifically designed for the task at hand remain one of the most powerful assets for the plastic surgeon. Click here to find out more about how we can support advances in plastic surgery.

 

 

Recyclable MedTech for Supply Chain Decarbonisation

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Recyclable MedTech presents an important opportunity to tackle greenhouse gas emissions as part of the NHS Net Zero strategy.

As a whole, the supply chain accounts for 62% of the NHS’s carbon emissions, with medical equipment equating to 10% of the total (1).

By avoiding medical products that only allow for a ‘make-use-waste’ linear lifecycle, and opting instead for those that can be recycled at end-of-life, NHS procurement departments can benefit from a circular value system that also assists with supply chain decarbonisation.

Saving Money with Recyclable MedTech

Recyclable medical equipment not only provides value whilst being used, but also minimizes value leakage at the outflow stage.

This is particularly the case where NHS hospitals are remunerated for allowing manufacturers to collect and recycle their products.

Take for example Hupfer’s surgical instrument baskets. These come with an End-of-Life Product Recovery Scheme that allows NHS hospitals to earn rebates, support the circular economy and boost their sustainability performance.

As soon as Hupfer stainless-steel instrument baskets come to the end of their working life, Hupfer deducts their scrap value from the hospital’s new quote and recycles them.

Or if the hospital doesn’t want to order any more new baskets, Hupfer will help the hospital to find a local recycling company to ensure recovery.

To find out more about Hupfer’s recyclable MedTech click here.

Reducing Carbon Emissions with Recyclables

Waste reduction is also a key benefit of products with a ‘use-recycle-reinvest’ purchasing profile.

By repurposing used medical devices through recycling, carbon emissions are reduced as fewer new products need to be manufactured from scratch.

According to ‘Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service’ medical devices represent one of the top areas of opportunity for the NHS to reduce its carbon footprint, along with supply chain, estates and facilities, pharmaceuticals and travel.

With the NHS spending £10 billion a year on medical technology including syringes, surgical instruments and pacemakers, it is clear to see how recycling can provide NHS procurement with a significant reduction in both spend and carbon emissions.

Minimising the need to recycle

It’s also important to minimise the amount of recycling of Medtech products in the first place by investing in the highest quality reusable technology. For example, some reusable surgical instruments may be recyclable, but if they are only warrantied to last for a couple of years that can generate a lot in terms of carbon emissions, compared to an instrument that typically lasts between 30 and 70 years.

At Cairn Technology, we supply Stille handcrafted instruments that deliver this level of longevity. Find out more about how Stille, endeavours to minimize the impact generated by their business on the climate and the environment by clicking here: https://www.stille.se/about-us/quality/environment/

To keep track of how we here at Cairn Technology are helping hospitals to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as reduce our own CO2e emissions, follow our blog here.

References:

  • NHS England, ‘Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ national health service’.

NHS Backlog – Where Are We Now?

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A couple of years ago, we analysed the NHS backlog, including some of its underlying causes, along with the plans in place to address it. More recently, we assessed the current state of A&E waiting times across the NHS.

The UK now has a new Labour government. The 2024 Labour manifesto promised to “build an NHS fit for the future.”

In this post, we’ll look at the current state of the NHS backlog and explore Labour’s plans for addressing these challenges.

What is the NHS Backlog?

They define the backlog as “the care the NHS would normally have delivered, but which was disrupted as COVID-19 impacted service delivery”. This incorporates cancelled procedures, delayed or refused referrals, and patients on waiting lists for treatments who would ordinarily have been seen by now.

The BMA also recognises “patients who have not yet presented to the GP… due to concerns of burdening the health service…” This implies that it’s impossible to measure the full extent of the lockdown. There’s a “hidden backlog” to contend with, too.

NHS Backlog in 2024 – What Does It Look Like Right Now?

According to the latest BMA figures, more patients than ever are currently waiting for treatment. In May 2024, there were a total of 6,377,599 individual patients waiting for treatment in England alone. Almost half of these patients have been waiting for over 18 weeks, and over 300,000 have been waiting for over a year.

The BMA regularly updates their figures on the NHS backlog.

Long-Term Issues and Brand-New Challenges

The backlog can still be largely attributed to the immense disruption brought by COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns. Yet even before the pandemic struck, demand for hospital treatment was outstripping capacity.

The NHS has a long-term plan of ensuring that 92% of patients should receive treatment within 18 months of referral. The last time this target was met was in September 2015.

To make matters worse, in July 2024 a global IT outage plunged many industries into chaos. This affected many healthcare services, with GP practices warning that they’re now facing a “considerable backlog” in appointments.

The New Labour Government’s Plans For the NHS

In their election manifesto, Labour outlined their plans for the NHS as follows:

  • Cut waiting times with 40,000 more appointments each week.
  • Double the number of cancer scanners.
  • A new Dentistry Rescue Plan.
  • 8,500 additional mental health staff.
  • Return of the family doctor.

Referencing the NHS backlog, the manifesto said:

“We will return to meeting NHS performance standards. That means patients should expect to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral for consultant-led treatment of non-urgent health conditions. This standard was achieved with the last Labour government and will be again under the next.”

Here’s how Labour plan to achieve these goals:

  • Incentivising staff to carry out additional appointments out of hours.
  • Pooling resources across neighbouring hospitals to introduce shared waiting lists to allow patients to be treated quicker.
  • Using spare capacity in the independent sector to ensure patients are diagnosed and treated more quickly.
  • “Reset relations with NHS staff” to address treatments affected by staff strikes.

What are the New Government’s Targets for the NHS Backlog?

Labour’s target is to clear the waiting time for elective treatment of over 18 weeks within five years. Analysis in the BMJ has outlined the practical, political, and financial considerations that will be necessary for Labour to achieve this target.

“Short of achieving near miraculous improvements in economic growth,” the report says, “the stark choices over NHS funding will have profound implications for the incoming government’s entire programme.”

We have already seen one of Labour’s policy pledges in action: The plan to draw from spare capacity in the independent sector to diagnose NHS patients. Since April, the Sussex Elective Co-ordination Centre has been helping over 400 NHS patients a week access private care facilities.

Yet at the time of writing, the new Labour government has been in place for less than a month. Obviously, it is still far too early to assess their success in clearing the NHS backlog. The BMA figures suggest that things are as bad as they’ve ever been. Yet hopefully, things can only get better.

Support For NHS Healthcare Providers

At Cairn Technology, we specialise in improving quality and efficiency in healthcare settings.

While we cannot help you address long waiting lists in your NHS healthcare setting, we can help you to improve staff safety and well-being while reducing turnaround times between certain procedures.

For a friendly chat about how we can help you, get in touch to talk to one of our experts today.

Capturing blood spills during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

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There can be quite a lot of blood when a vein is removed for use in the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft procedure, so what is needed is an absorbent product that soaks up this blood, keeping any surrounding area clean.

What’s more, any product used to absorb the blood needs to be placed against the patient, so it needs to be sterile to reduce the risk of surgical site infection in the open wound.

Why is there so much blood spilled during CABG surgery?

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is commonly used to treat coronary heart disease.

It does this by diverting blood around narrowed or clogged sections of the major arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.

Due to the nature of the surgery, there can be a lot of blood spilled during the operation. This is because a CABG involves taking a blood vessel from a part of the body such as an arm, leg or the chest.

This blood vessel is then attached to the coronary artery above and below the narrowed area or blockage.

How Cairn’s Sterile mats can help with a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft blood spill

Our Sterile DryMax Maxi mat is the ideal solution for locking away blood spills during CABG procedures. Each mat absorbs up to 6 litres of water or 2.4 litres of saline and measures 72cm x 37 cm in size.

Being sterile, the mats can be placed next to the patient near the open wound, minimising the risk of surgical site infections. By capturing drips and spills, the mat also reduces the risk of slips from any blood pooling on the floor.

Completely latex-free, this versatile mat can be placed directly beneath the patient and used flat, folded or rolled, depending on the needs of the surgical team.

Sylvia Bristow, Theatre Sister in Cardiothoracic Theatres at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield has found them very useful.

“We use the DryMax Sterile mat when taking a vein from the patient’s leg for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, as this procedure can be very bloody”, says Sylvia. “Not only does the DryMax Sterile mat absorb the blood, it also helps to keep the bandage clean.”

Is the Sterile DryMax Maxi mat right for you?

Are you having issues capturing blood spills during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft procedures? Why not request some free samples? Just call Cairn Technology on 0333 015 4354 or email info@cairntechnology.com.

How Long are A&E Waiting Times in the UK – Where Are We Now?

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A few years ago, we explored the NHS backlog, and its underlying causes. We also assessed the NHS targets for clearing these backlogs, and discussed the impacts they were having on ambulance waiting times.

In this post we’ll take a closer look at the current state of A&E waiting times in the UK, and how they compare to pre-pandemic levels.

All of the figures and trends we refer to in this post come from this Office for National Statistics report.

A&E Waiting Times Vary Across the UK

Across the UK home countries, you will find slightly different policies on how A&E wait time data is collected. It’s possible to make broad comparisons between A&E wait times between England, Scotland, and Wales. However, Northern Ireland’s healthcare data collection policy differs so much as to make comparisons more difficult.

But that said, we can compare data on the overall number of A&E attendances across all four countries.

NHS Targets for A&E Waiting Times

Every country in the UK aims for a four hour standard for A&E visits. The general aim is that at least 95% of attendances will be admitted, transferred, or discharged within four hours of arriving at A&E.

Following the pandemic, the NHS was under considerable pressure as services struggled to deal with patient backlogs. So, in December 2022, NHS England implemented a new temporary standard, whereby they would aim to see at least 76% of A&E attendances within four hours. NHS England returned to the 95% four hour standard in March 2024.

What is the 12 Hour Waiting Time Standard?

In addition to this four hour standard, Wales and Northern Ireland have a 12 hour standard. The aim here is that no patient should have to wait longer than 12 hours in any type of A&E department.

Average A&E Waiting Times Are Getting Longer

Across the UK, between 2013 and 2023, there has been an overall rise in the monthly percentage of A&E attendances waiting longer than four hours. Patients in England have seen the biggest rise in A&E waiting times. In January 2013, 8.1% of attendances waited longer than four hours. By September 2023, this figure had risen to 42.4%.

December 2022 saw a peak in A&E waiting times across England, Scotland, and Wales. In this one month, 50.4% of English patients, 41.7% of Scottish patients, and 45.8% of Welsh patients had to wait longer than four hours to be seen.

A&E wait times dropped significantly during the early months of the pandemic. Lockdown restrictions meant that fewer people overall attended A&E departments. While this contributed to a drop in A&E wait times, it would later result in a huge backlog of care. This is partially why wait times rose significantly in the years following the pandemic.

Why Are A&E Wait Times Getting Longer?

Beyond the post-pandemic backlog of care, there are other explanations for the rise in A&E wait times across all four UK countries.

These include:

  • Population Changes – As populations have grown, so too have the proportion of A&E attendances per 1,000 population. A growing population may also be associated with a growth in rates of disability, or long-term illnesses, that might necessitate an A&E visit.
  • Aging Populations – A higher proportion of elderly people in a population means a higher proportion of the age-related injuries and illnesses.
  • Ease of Access – In some parts of the country, people may struggle to access certain healthcare services. For example, the lack of healthcare provisions in rural areas might increase A&E attendance rates in nearby towns and cities.
  • Policy Changes – We have already explored how lockdown policies might have influenced A&E wait times. In addition to this, governments across the UK have imposed other policies that may have impacted A&E wait times, such as Scotland’s efforts to discourage unplanned attendances.

How to Find A&E Waiting Times Near Me

If you want to find out how long you might have to wait to get seen at healthcare providers in your area, use this NHS Tracker resource on the BBC’s website.

Enter your postcode and it will give you an idea of:

  • Ambulance waiting times
  • A&E waiting times
  • Treatment waiting times

Support For NHS Healthcare Providers

At Cairn Technology, we specialise in improving quality and efficiency in healthcare settings.

While we cannot help you address long waiting lists in your A&E department, we can help you to improve staff safety and well-being while reducing turnaround times between certain procedures.

We can also help you improve the waiting rooms across your healthcare premises. From air purifiers to advanced cleaning solutions, we offer a range of products and services that will help you make your waiting room safer, cleaner and more welcoming for both staff and patients.

For a friendly chat about how we can help you, get in touch to talk to one of our experts today.

UK Plastic surgery events 2024

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UK plastic surgery events are coming in quick succession this Autumn/Winter season, with BAAPS, BSFPS and BAPRAS all holding major meetings. To find out more read on.

Or, if you are not able to attend but would like to investigate the best surgical instruments for plastic and aesthetic surgery, click here for details of Stille’s surgical instruments.

UK Plastic Surgery Events

BAAPS 2024 – The Future of Aesthetics: An Interplay between Science & Art
26 & 27 September 2024
I.E.T London, Savoy Place

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons is committed to promoting excellence in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Their Annual Scientific Meeting will cover a wide range of topics including Female Genital Aesthetic Surgery, Buttock & Lower Limb Aesthetic Surgery, Periorbital Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Otoplasty.

For more information on this event click here.

 

BSFPS – British Society of Facial Plastic Surgery – Annual Meeting 2024
18 October 2024
The Albert Hall Conference Centre, Nottingham

The BSFPS or British Society of Facial Plastic Surgery was created to encourage and support training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery to surgeons in either the NHS or private sector.

The guest speaker at the Annual Meeting will be Dr Yves Saban, renowned in European and International facial plastics as an educator and innovator and known for his propagation of Preservation Rhinoplasty.

Speakers from associated specialities will also be giving talks on subjects such as Oculoplastic, Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery. Topics covered will include Cleft Nose, Facial Reconstruction, Facial Reanimation and Blepharoplasty.

For more information click here.

 

BAPRAS International Congress 2024
4- 6 December 2024
International Convention Centre Wales, Newport

This year’s event sees BAPRAS collaborating with plastic surgery associations and societies from across the world with talks delivered by international experts on topics such as skin cancer, facial palsy, burns and diabetic foot surgery.

New additions to the programme include a Military Plastic Surgery session and a session focused on JPRAS.

For more information click here.

For more updates on upcoming UK plastic surgery events click here to follow our Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn accounts.

 

Nitrous Oxide in the NHS – Risks, Plans, and Targets

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For years, the NHS made extensive use of nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic gas. Yet there are concerns that prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide could pose certain health risks. Practitioners are also becoming increasingly aware of the possible environmental impact of using anaesthetic gases.

How is Nitrous Oxide Used in Healthcare

Nitrous oxide is an odourless and colourless gas. In sub-anaesthetic concentrations it acts as a powerful analgesic. It is most commonly used in a 50:50 mix with oxygen. This mixture is otherwise known as “gas and air”, or Entonox.

Nitrous Oxide Health Risks

Short-term exposure to Entonox can cause dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Long-term exposure can affect the body’s capacity to absorb vitamin B12. This can damage the body’s nervous system and red blood cells, which can lead to a number of neurological conditions.

Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide may also increase the risk of developing certain liver and kidney diseases.

The exposure risks for patients are low, as patients inhale the gas through a demand valve. However, when they breathe out, they can release some of the nitrous oxide back into the room. Over time, this can create an exposure risk for medical personnel. The risk will be greater if there are ever any gas leaks, or if staff routinely administer the gas in a poorly ventilated area.

This is why it’s essential to monitor the levels of nitrous oxide in hospitals. Our workplace exposure monitoring servicecan help you address your staff’s exposure to nitrous oxide and other potentially harmful substances.

Nitrous Oxide Environmental Risks – And The Solution

In a 2022 report, the NHS discussed the environmental impact of using certain anaesthetic gases. They revealed that emissions from one bottle can produce the same amount of carbon as burning 440kg of coal.

The NHS’s long-term plan is to reduce the carbon footprint associated with anaesthetic gases by 40%. Part of this strategy involves switching to lower carbon alternatives, such as sevoflurane.

The NHS is also exploring techniques for capturing, destroying, or reusing anaesthetic gases. They estimate that capturing and destroying nitrous oxide could cut over 33% of their total anaesthetic emissions.

There’s also a focus on cutting down on nitrous oxide wastage. Up to 30% of nitrous oxide may remain in cannisters after use. This residual gas can carry an environmental risk if it leaks, and recycling or reusing it can prove difficult.

We Can Help You Address The Risks of Nitrous Oxide in Your Hospital

Nitrous oxide leaks in your hospital contribute to your overall carbon footprint, and they may also present long-term workplace exposure risks for your personnel.

Keeping on top of equipment maintenance can help prevent leaks. It’s also important to ensure that any area of your hospital where nitrous oxide or other anaesthetic gases are administered is as well-ventilated as possible.

Yet if you want to address the exposure risks in your hospital, first you will need to understand the risks. This is where we can help. Our workplace exposure monitoring service can help you address your staff’s exposure to nitrous oxide and other potentially harmful substances.

We can provide a comprehensive report including discussions and recommendations based upon our findings. In this way, we can help you meet your COSHH obligations wherever your staff are exposed to hazardous substances in your hospital.

For information on our workplace exposure monitoring services, give us a call on 0845 226 0185 email us at info@cairntechnology.com