Imagine a simple switch in how we give kids pain relief could save thousands of pounds and significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Sounds too good to be true, right? But that’s exactly what a groundbreaking project in Swansea Bay has achieved. Led by five visionary clinicians, the Improving Paracetamol use with Routine Oral over Venous administration (IMPROVE) project has uncovered a win-win solution for patients and the planet. Here’s the scoop: traditionally, children undergoing planned surgery at Morriston Hospital were given paracetamol intravenously (IV) while under general anaesthetic. But here’s where it gets controversial—this method, while effective, is not only costly but also far less environmentally friendly than the alternative.
The project’s findings reveal that oral paracetamol—whether in liquid or tablet form—provides the same level of pain relief post-surgery. And this is the part most people miss: it’s dramatically cheaper and kinder to the environment. For instance, oral paracetamol costs just pennies, and its manufacturing and administration have a fraction of the environmental impact compared to the IV version. By avoiding IV paracetamol for paediatric surgeries, the project estimates a reduction in environmental impact equivalent to driving over 23,000 miles less per year. That’s a staggering 9,190kg of eCO2 saved annually!
Pictured: Consultant Anaesthetists Rebeca Harris and Tereza Soskova, alongside Senior Clinical Fellow Lara Sabry, have been at the forefront of this initiative, alongside Core Trainee doctor Linn Jarte and Consultant Anaesthetist Alex Morgan. Dr. Soskova highlights, ‘There’s no difference in safety or pain relief between IV and oral paracetamol, but oral administration leads to 98.3% cost savings. When we started, we found IV paracetamol was 24 times more expensive than oral tablets.’ She adds, ‘IV paracetamol produces up to 12 times higher carbon emissions than oral tablets, which has fundamentally changed how we approach paracetamol usage.’
The team is now aiming for a 90% oral usage rate, a shift that could have massive implications. For context, in 2024 alone, 90% of paracetamol administered to over 1,300 paediatric patients was given intravenously. Switching to oral administration during that period would have saved £1,150 and slashed emissions significantly. But here’s the bigger picture: healthcare accounts for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with pharmaceuticals contributing 19-32%. Paracetamol, making up 6% of global pharmaceutical sales, is a major player. This project isn’t just about Swansea Bay—it’s about reimagining healthcare’s role in sustainability.
Pictured: Staff from the Children’s Ward have been integral to this initiative, ensuring its success on the ground. Now, the project is set to expand into planned adult surgeries across Morriston, Singleton, and Neath Port Talbot hospitals, where the potential for financial and environmental savings is even greater. But here’s the question: If such a simple change can yield such profound results, why isn’t this practice already widespread? Could this be a turning point in how we balance patient care with environmental responsibility? Let’s spark the conversation—what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
