Leading from the Front - Irish Consultants Take Action on Sustainability in Healthcare

• International health experts join hospital consultants to discuss tangible measures to improve sustainability across the Irish health service
• As much as one third of health spending is not considered “high value” care, such as unnecessary lab testing or inappropriate prescribing. Simple, practical efficiencies can make a huge difference, benefitting both patients and public finances 
• “Hospital consultants are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in integrating sustainable practices across our healthcare system” — Professor Gabrielle Colleran, IHCA President

Hospital Consultants and healthcare experts are gathering today for the Irish Hospital Consultant Association’s Symposium: “Implementing Sustainable Healthcare Solutions”, a landmark event that brings together leading international health experts to discuss practical, actionable measures to improve sustainability within the health service. 

Reaffirming the IHCA’s commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable future for Irish healthcare, the symposium will feature a distinguished panel of international and Irish experts, sharing insights and practical sustainability strategies that have successfully been implemented in hospitals worldwide. It will serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, driving meaningful action to meet the twin challenges of sustainability and climate resilience.

Speakers include Professor Hugh Montgomery, Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at the University College of London and Co-Chair of the Lancet Countdown, Dr Brian O’Connell, Emergency Medicine Consultant and Sustainable Healthcare / Climate Risk Lead, NSW, Australia, Dr Cathy Burke, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Chairperson of the Green Group, Cork University Maternity Hospital, and Dr Philip Crowley, National Director for Wellbeing, Equality, Climate and Global Health in the HSE.

Advancing Sustainability in Healthcare
Experts will showcase evidence-based solutions that can reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare practices while improving patient care and delivering savings for public finances, ensuring long-term benefits for both the planet and healthcare systems. As much as one third of health spending is not considered “high value” or effective care, such as unnecessary lab testing or inappropriate prescribing. Simple, practical changes can make a difference. Attendees at the IHCA symposium will hear a number of practical, tried and tested measures, which have been implemented to great success in Ireland and in other countries, such as the successful “gloves off” campaign employed to great effect in the UK and Australia.

Addressing the Health Impacts of Climate Change
Discussions will also explore how climate change is impacting public health, emphasising the role of healthcare professionals in mitigating these effects through proactive, sustainable practices. Climate change has been found to be inextricably linked to poor public health outcomes, with hospitalisations attributable to air pollution accounting for 63,572 bed days in Ireland between 2016-2019.  Likewise, Ireland could see an 18-fold increase in the number of heat-related deaths, and almost a doubling in cold-related deaths in our ageing population, by 2100 due to climate change.

IHCA President Gabrielle Colleran highlighted the importance of this initiative: 

“Hospital consultants are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in integrating sustainable practices across our healthcare system. This symposium is a positive, ground-up movement, driven by the expertise and innovation of consultants who are committed to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for patients, the healthcare sector, and society as a whole.”

The IHCA invites healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to join this critical conversation. Together, we can ensure Irish healthcare becomes a leader in tackling sustainability challenges while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

ENDS

For more information

Darragh Duncan | darragh.duncan@finnpartners.com | +353 (0)85 121 5011