Endoscopy

​Seven steps to sustainable endoscopy 

The Gastroenterological Society of Australia provides a national framework​ to guide decarbonisation in endoscopy services through the following seven steps:

1. Avoid unnecessary procedures – optimise clinical pathways and triage to reduce overuse.
2. Be energy smart – reduce power consumption in procedural rooms and waiting areas.
3. Waste less, do more – avoid over-ordering and minimise opened but unused consumables.
4. Stay sealed – preserve sterility without overpackaging or discarding unused sealed items.
5. One tool rule – minimise use of multiple single-use tools where one will suffice.
6. Sort it out – improve waste segregation to enhance recycling rates.
7. Go paperless – transition to digital forms, consent, and recordkeeping systems.

NSW Health Net Zero Endoscopy Hub

The Net Zero Endoscopy Hub's efforts are also informed by broader sustainability principles including:

• Reduce
• Refuse 
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Research
• Rethink

The Net Zero Endoscopy ​Hub acknowledges that many sites across Australia are already making significant inroads into elements of endoscopy sustainability including St George Hospital in Sydney and the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. 

Initial actions 

The Net Zero Endoscopy Hub is initiating a multi-pronged strategy to support health system decarbonisation and improve the environmental impact of endoscopy services in NSW, including:

• Transitioning to reusable gowns and drapes to reduce reliance on single-use PPE.
• Introducing environmentally sustainable consumables where clinically safe and appropriate.​
• Establishing safe reuse pathways for suitable tools and specimen containers and tubing.
• Conducting a waste audit to improve recycling and reduce landfill.
• Partnering with suppliers to preference low-carbon or circular-economy products.
• Engaging in research to evaluate clinical, environmental and cost impacts.
• Optimising bowel preparation protocols to reduce repeat procedures due to inadequate prep, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

​​Future Net Zero Endoscopy ​Hub priorities include:

• Integrating sustainability metrics into endoscopy quality audits.
• Expanding reuse and recycling programs across endoscopy services.
• Providing sustainability education for endoscopy staff.
• Facilitating knowledge-sharing across NSW endoscopy services.