NHS should use teleconferencing to cut emissions

The NHS has been urged to cut emissions by 60 per cent by 2050

The NHS could cut its carbon emissions by greater use of IT, according to a report by the Sustainable Development Commission.

The report has been given a somewhat ironic twist after yesterday's news that Fujitsu has been fired from the NHS contract to computerise patient records.

The report analyses the NHS's current emissions total and recommends ways in which emissions could be cut by 60 per cent by 2050.

One of these is the increased use of teleconferencing to cut emissions caused by patients, visitors and staff travelling, which amount to an estimated 0.93m tonnes of carbon annually, or 18 per cent of total NHS missions.

To manage travel emissions the report recommends that individual trusts develop travel plans.

"A well-founded travel plan reduces the carbon footprint, pollution and congestion whilst encouraging active travel and a healthier population," the report said.

The NHS accounts for 2.7 per cent of total carbon emissions in the UK.

• Saving Carbon, Improving Health: A Draft Carbon Reduction Strategy for the NHS in England