This policy document targets the procurement and management of medical gases, and focuses on nitrous oxide (N2O) and 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen mix commonly known under the tradename Entonox®.
This document targets the procurement and management of medical gases. This work is aligned with the NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan 2021–2030, specifically Approach to Healthcare Initiatives 40 and 41 and the decarbonisation of medical gases. While the principles and recommendations could be applied to many medical gases, this policy focuses on nitrous oxide (N2O) and 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen mix commonly known under the tradename Entonox®, as these gases have the highest impact due to high global warming potential and high-volume usage. It is a policy designed to improve value through preventing waste, ensuring lean service delivery and utilisation of low carbon alternatives in line with the principles of the Centre of Sustainable Healthcare.
An accompanying dashboard monitoring the use of nitrous oxide has also been developed and is available on the Server for Prescribing Information Reporting and Analysis (SPIRA).
⇩ Policy for the sustainable procurement, management, administration and disposal of medical gases to achieve decarbonisation 234KB (PDF) |
(May 2025)