Healthcare facility nitrous oxide infrastructure - Position statement

Nitrous oxide (N2 O) is a powerful greenhouse gas that leaks in significant quantities from piped (reticulated) N2 O systems in healthcare facilities, before use in patient care. This causes unnecessary harm, for no clinical gain. There are viable clinical alternatives to piped N2 O systems that do not adversely impact patient care, including point of care N2 O. Doctors for the Environment Australia recommends ● Healthcare facilities without birthing suites: ○ existing facilities should decommission existing piped N2 O systems. ○ new facilities do not have piped N2 O infrastructure. ● Healthcare facilities with birthing suites: ○ existing facilities consider decommissioning piped N2 O infrastructure to areas other than birthing suites. ○ new facilities should install piped N2O to birthing suites only and should consider including destruction technology infrastructure in initial plans. ● If piped nitrous oxide infrastructure is to remain, increased leak monitoring and accountability protocols should be developed to adequately detect and address leaks. ● Healthcare facility management, engineers and clinical providers are informed of the amendment to the Australasian Healthcare Facilities Guidelines regarding nitrous oxide infrastructure.