Seven Practical Actions for Greener Anaesthesia
Implementation Starts Now!
We aim to bring perioperative teams together in collective action - embedding simple, practical changes into everyday care to deliver safer, more efficient, and more sustainable anaesthesia.
Small changes, applied consistently, can make our operating theatres leaner, cleaner and safer for the world and for our patients.
The GAP-PACK Brochure translates international and national consensus into practical action. It is based on a large global prioritisation exercise involving healthcare workers from over 70 countries, reinforced by UK patient advisory groups and national engagement events. Seven strategies were consistently rated as highly feasible, acceptable and affordable - meaning they are ready to implement now across a wide range of surgical settings.
Seven Strategies
- Use local or regional anaesthesia when appropriate
- Choose reusable over disposable equipment
- Introduce a “don’t open it unless needed” policy
- Avoid unnecessary interventions in low‑risk patient
- Maintain and repair equipment rather than discard it
- Power down theatres out of hours
- Improve waste segregation and recycling through staff education
Hospitals are encouraged to begin with a small number of actions, adapt them locally, and build momentum over time.
Complete the survey and receive the GAP‑PACK booklet to learn more and begin implementation.
