IH using innovative approaches to address climate challenges

July 19, 2024
A team of Royal Inland Hospital anesthetic assistants supported the anesthetic gas recovery program. From L to R: Dexter, Sandra, Pietur, Evan and John.

In 2020, Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops began a three-year project to recover anesthetic gas from its operating rooms.

Anesthetic gases like desflurane are far more potent than carbon dioxide. Prior to the project, the waste anesthetic gases were vented outside the hospital, leaving a significant environmental footprint.

Today, all of Royal Inland’s operating rooms use anesthetic gas recovery technology. In early 2024, the technology was expanded to Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Kelowna General Hospital with plans for expansion to other IH sites.

From implementing digital solutions that replace paper, to reducing the use of single-use plastics, and supporting communities in adapting to climate change, we’re finding new and innovative ways to create a healthy, equitable and resilient health-care system.

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