Ireland to Future Proof Healthcare with Sustainable Alternatives
In a national first, Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI), with the HSE and Irish College of GPs is launching the GreenTech in healthcare call.
The three leading healthcare organisations are searching for innovative products and services that promote environmental sustainability in both primary and secondary healthcare.
The Irish healthcare sector is responsible for an estimated 5 per cent of the country’s Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Additionally, the sector uses a high volume of single use products, adding to resource use and waste. The national GreenTech in healthcare call is focussed on three key areas:
- Production: Single-use medical products often involve resource-intensive processes, using plastics and other materials that require significant energy inputs. This results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
- Disposal: Many healthcare items are designed for single use and create a constant stream of waste. The disposal process, whether it involves incineration (which can release harmful emissions and substances) or landfilling (which leads to issues like leachate, soil contamination, and methane emissions), adds to the environmental and health burden.
- Decontamination: The combination of processes including cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation used to render reusable invasive medical devices safe for handling by staff and for service users. Effective decontamination of reusable invasive medical devices is an essential component in the prevention of healthcare associated infections.
The focus areas are informed by HIHI Clinical Sustainability Advisors (CSA) from across Ireland who work on the frontline and are committed to sustainability in Irish healthcare. These clinical experts have also highlighted a particular need to develop and test alternatives in the following areas:
Syringes/sharps, bottles, packaging, cutlery and crockery, nappies and sanitary products, medical textiles (including surgical gowns, theatre drapes, aprons, masks, hats accessories).
CSAs include: Dr Lisa McNamee, Irish College of GPs, Dr Cathy Burke, Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), Dr Ana Rakovac Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) and Michael Duane, University Hospital Galway (UHG).
Supporting the development of sustainable technologies will improve health outcomes and promote environmental benefits
Through the call, HIHI, HSE and the ICGP will stimulate and support the development and testing of innovative products and services that promote environmental sustainability in the three focus areas. Health Innovation Hub Ireland, will test and evaluate the winning submissions.
HIHI is a joint government initiative of the Department of Health and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, which is delivered through a national HSE and Enterprise Ireland partnership.
HIHI National Director Dr Tanya Mulcahy said: “GreenTech in healthcare represents a growing movement within the global health industry to adopt technologies and practices that are environmentally sustainable, aiming to improve health outcomes while minimising ecological footprints.
“HIHI is committed to the development of innovative sustainable products and services for Irish healthcare. Through engaging national partners, the HSE and ICG we are taking a significant step to begin delivery of this.
“Crucial to getting the right focus for this call in Irish healthcare is the expertise and guidance our Clinical Sustainability Advisors (CSAs) on the frontline.”
HIHI Regional Manager (Dublin) and national GreenTech lead Eimear Galvin added: “Sustainability is crucial in Irish healthcare to ensure the long-term viability of the system while addressing current and future health challenges. It involves efficient resource use, reusing environmental impact and reusing where possible.
“Health Innovation Hub Ireland recognises the link between the health and wellbeing of individuals and the health and wellbeing of the environment.
“Climate change is a significant threat to public health, the health and human services system and the social determinants of health and wellbeing. HIHI is committed to stimulating and supporting the development of innovative products and services that promote environmental sustainability in healthcare.”
Applications are open to all regardless of size or origin
Dr Philip Crowley National Director HSE Climate and Global Health also commented: “As Ireland’s largest Public Body with a core objective to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public, we recognise we have a significant role to play in tackling the climate crisis.
“The healthcare sector is a notable contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We are committed to dealing with the growing health impacts of climate change and curbing our own emissions.
“The HSE Climate Strategy, launched in June 2023, represented a step-change in intent on climate change and sustainability and this national Greentech call builds on this and actively engages committed clinical personnel to inform our focus.”
Dr Diarmuid Quinlan, Medical Director of the Irish College of GPs said: “The Irish College of GPs supports this call for gathering proposals for innovative ways to improve processes in GP healthcare that will contribute positively to sustainability in healthcare.
“Irish GPs, GP Nurses and Practice teams, deliver “first point of care” healthcare to the national population, and are well-placed to generate ideas for new ways of working in primary care that can help HSE and HIHI deliver the HSE Climate strategy.”
The call is open to all companies, organisations, researchers, institutions regardless of size or origin. Applications will be reviewed in two stages. Stage one comprises review of all applications. Applicants that progress to stage two will be invited to pitch before a panel of experts. For full submission details, timelines and how to apply please visit: hihi.ie.
