Environmental sustainability in orthopaedic surgery & MSK Health

As one of the largest areas of expenditure for the NHS, including 25% of the UK’s surgical workload, musculoskeletal (MSK) health has to be at the forefront of efforts to achieve a net zero NHS. In this paper, co-authored with The British Orthopaedic Trainees Association (BOTA), we summarise initiatives across healthcare, and specifically within MSK health, to reduce its overall carbon footprint, and we share case studies on practical ways in which clinical teams are embracing more environmentally sustainable practices, whilst maintaining standards of care.

We conclude with an explanation of how ORUK and BOTA are aiming to contribute to improving the sustainability of the MSK sector as a whole.

The white paper is available to download here.