Sustainable Orthopaedic Practice Without Helping To Destroy The Planet

Description

In this presentation, Chris Morrey discusses the urgent and pressing issue of sustainability and healthcare in Australia. He begins by humorously dismissing the idea of crocodiles only to pivot into a serious commentary on Australia's current standing in global sustainability efforts. Morrey highlights the nation's vast natural resources and the paradox of its inadequate progress towards achieving net-zero emissions, emphasizing the need for urgent action. He explains that net-zero refers to balancing greenhouse gas emissions, a goal that Australia has committed to achieving by 2050, albeit under pressure.



He outlines the barriers faced, including a lack of appropriate infrastructure and education that hampers the implementation of environmental changes. With Australia lagging behind other countries, Morrey stresses the importance of adopting sustainability within healthcare systems to improve safety, quality care, and community health while also reducing waste.



Morrey showcases initiatives such as the greening of hospitals, including solar panel installations and efforts to reduce anesthetic gases and single-use plastics, pointing to Ramsay Health Care's new sustainability measures as a model. He encourages grassroots advocacy for sustainability and outlines simple steps healthcare professionals can take to contribute, urging them to form green committees and engage with local practices to initiate change. He concludes with a reference to the Beatles, inspiring his audience to embrace a spirit of global stewardship and responsibility. Through this comprehensive discussion, Morrey calls for a collective effort towards transforming health care into a more sustainable practice, emphasizing that every small action counts towards combating climate change.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-240693

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