Northern Trust leading the way to greener future for health service

Northern Trust staff Jonathan Eady, Stacey McKnight, Naomi Potts, Nigel McIlroy and Kate Agnew.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is setting a powerful precedent for sustainability in healthcare with a series of pioneering green initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its operations, starting with a trailblazing project at Antrim Area Hospital.

In a first for Northern Ireland, the hospital’s operating theatres have begun using portable cylinders for administering anaesthetic gas, replacing the traditional central manifold system.

This innovative shift is significantly cutting the amount of nitrous oxide (N₂O) wasted during surgical procedures, thereby reducing the theatres’ overall carbon footprint.

Clinical Engineering Technician Darren McLaughlin and Theatre Sister Annette McIlhatton.

Paddy Graffin, Director of Infrastructure at the Northern Trust, explained:

“Essentially, it’s allowing us to operate the gas supply like a tap that can be turned on and off, using only what is needed, rather than having a central supply that is servicing all theatres and is inevitably going to produce more gas than is used.

“Several global studies have shown that transitioning from a central manifold system and its extensive pipework infrastructure, to having portable cylinders in each theatre, drastically reduces the amount of wastage.

“This is good news for the environment and also in terms of us delivering value, through a much more efficient use of resources.”

Solar panels at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.

Following the successful implementation at Antrim Area Hospital, the Trust plans to expand the use of portable cylinders to Causeway, Whiteabbey and Mid Ulster hospitals, with the long-term aim of decommissioning the central supply system entirely.

Investing in solar and renewable technologies

The N₂O initiative is just one of several eco-focused projects underway within the Trust. In 2024, Causeway Hospital became home to a 1.2MW solar roof installation — the largest of its kind in any health and social care setting in Northern Ireland and one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic installations on the island of Ireland.

Solar panel schemes have also been rolled out across five other sites, complemented by the installation of new energy-efficient boilers to further reduce emissions and operational costs.

Solar panels in place at Mid Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt.

Steven Johnston, Assistant Director of Estates for the Trust, highlighted the benefits:

“Solar energy provides our health estate with renewable electricity whilst also reducing our running costs so it’s a win-win. It’s a cleaner, greener, more efficient way of delivering essential services for our community, and we’re really proud that our Estates department is leading in the field of sustainability.”

Creating a resilient, sustainable health estate

In support of these efforts, the Trust’s internal Sustainability Group, established two years ago, continues to identify and implement projects that promote environmental resilience across its extensive health estate.

“When we talk about healthcare, people tend to think of just our hospital buildings, but actually there is a huge health estate that Trusts are responsible for,” added Paddy Graffin.

“It’s important that we are continually reviewing our estate to identify how we can make efficiencies and improvements, and sustainability is a big focus within our Corporate Plan.”

He also emphasised the financial significance of the Trust’s approach:

“We know the financial pressures facing health and social care at the moment, so our Delivering Value agenda has never been more important.”

Further green projects in development

Among the Trust’s other ongoing sustainability initiatives are:

• A successful waste segregation project which has resulted in a 128-tonne reduction in clinical waste, saving over £53,000.

• A polypropylene recycling pilot among theatre staff at Antrim Area Hospital.

• Exploration of geothermal energy to cut heating-related emissions.

• Assessment of water boreholes to improve water sourcing efficiency.

• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for building data analytics to optimise equipment performance, enhance decision-making, and identify new efficiency opportunities with corresponding cost and carbon savings.

With a strong portfolio of environmental initiatives and a commitment to innovation, the Northern Trust is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable healthcare delivery in Northern Ireland and beyond.