last week
Last week, Consultant Clinical Scientist Dr. Mark Hardy spoke at the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine’s (IPEM) Science, Engineering and Technology Conference at Westminster Central Hall in London.
His presentation centred on a project to measure the environmental impact of proton beam therapy, which we use at our centre in Wirral to treat cancerous tumours in the eye for patients who travel from across the UK and Ireland.
The project was driven by Trainee Clinical Scientist Alastair Smith, who looked at what areas of the proton service have the most environmental impact and suggested ways we could reduce it for this vital treatment.
As Clinical Scientists, the team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre are responsible for researching, developing and maintaining equipment and techniques that help us treat our patients, in areas including radiotherapy and imaging. They are carrying out this project in collaboration with The Christie in Manchester and University College London Hospital, who also have proton centres.
was instrumental to the project. Alastair is pictured
with fellow physics trainees, who all qualified
in September.
Mark said: “Healthcare worldwide emits more greenhouse gas than the aviation industry. This kind of work will help achieve the NHS’s goal of becoming the world’s first net zero carbon national health service by 2040, whilst maintaining our vital clinical services.
“Before starting the project, we didn’t know how our proton eye therapy service impacts the environment so it’s been really enlightening. We found that electricity use was the largest contributor, which strengthens the case for us to switch to renewable electricity. We will also look to improve the energy efficiency of the machine and use more environmentally friendly refrigerant gasses.”
“I’m thankful to IPEM who invited me to present at the conference. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our study and hopefully encourage clinical scientists and engineers across the country think more about the ways they can measure and reduce the environmental impact of their own services.”
If you’d like to find out more about the NHS’s plans for a greener NHS and net zero ambitions, this website will give you more information: https://
If you would like to learn how to reduce your own carbon footprint, try this footprint calculator from WWF at https:/
For more on The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre's eye proton therapy service, there is a page on our website will tell you all about the service. Click here to access it.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is committed to sustainability and caring for the environment. As part of this commitment, we have developed our Green Plan. You can read more about our Green Plan on our website. Click here to go to the correct page.
