Green Switch Inhaler Project

NHS Orkney’s Primary Care team are encouraging patients to swap to greener, more environmentally friendly inhalers where clinically appropriate inline with the rest of NHS Scotland.

It has been identified that the most commonly prescribed inhalers across all GP practices in Orkney are not the most environmentally friendly option. There are other, more greener alternatives which are recommended for control of the same conditions.

As an example, swapping your blue Salbutamol inhaler from a CFC-Free version to a Salbutamol Easyhaler, you would save almost 23kg of carbon dioxide per inhaler! In a year this could be as much as 270kg of CO2 saved, the same as driving over 1,000 miles in a petrol car (further than John o’ Groats to Lands End!).

Megan Hutchinson, GP Trainee at Skerryvore Practice said “Switching your inhaler to a greener alternative should not change your symptom control but you may need to use them slightly differently. If a switch is suitable for you, your GP practice will ensure you know how to use your new inhaler and check your symptoms are still managed the same.”

John Daniels, Head of Primary Care at NHS Orkney said “Megan is leading a fantastic piece of work, and I am very pleased to see this progressing in Orkney. This is another step forward on the journey to reduce carbon emissions and being able to do this while also maintaining high quality care for patients is a ‘win win’ situation we can all be proud of.”

If you’re interested in switching to a greener inhaler option or talking more about it, please do ask at your next annual review of your respiratory condition if you’re able to be considered for a green switch.

NHS Orkney is firmly committed to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions wherever possible.

Megan pictured promoting the green inhaler project at a recent sustainability event.