RCGP Scotland response to NHS Scotland’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Annual Report for 2021-22

Responding to the release of the NHS Scotland’s climate emergency and sustainability annual report for 2021-22, RCGP Scotland Joint Chair Dr David Shackles said:

“Our health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet, so good health care should strive to be environmentally sustainable care. This report demonstrates that continuing efforts are needed if we are to truly tackle the health system's impact on the climate emergency.

"Emissions from inhalers represent a significant portion of healthcare’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the figures within the report demonstrate that we are not yet seizing the golden opportunity to work with and support our patients to optimise their respiratory care in a way that helps us meet the standards of our European neighbours, where the majority of inhalers prescribed are lower carbon dry powder inhalers."

Further information

Media requests to Angus Gould, Policy and Public Relations Officer RCGP Scotland
Tel: 07808 795493
Email: angus.gould@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

RCGP Scotland represents a network of around 5,000 doctors in Scotland aiming to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standard of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on resources, education, training, research and clinical standards.