The Nitrous Transition Project is an innovative initiative from Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN) that embeds sustainability as a core commitment alongside safety and quality in healthcare for children.
Nitrous oxide has traditionally been used to help manage pain, but piped delivery systems have a significant negative environmental impact. To address this, SCHN transitioned to cylinder delivery of nitrous before decommissioning piped nitrous from across the network. The project combined infrastructure changes to reduce wastage, staff-led education, alternative pain relief options and strong governance to ensure safe implementation.
As a result, children continue to receive high-quality care and support without the use of piped nitrous oxide. The transition is expected to prevent 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.
