The MSA recognises the significant impacts of healthcare delivery on climate change and environment degradation, and that this has direct impacts on the health and wellbeing of children. We are deeply committed to decreasing the waste and carbon footprint of the work that we do.

The MSA subcommittee for Sustainable Healthcare and Climate Change advocacy meets quarterly to share information and create synergies, with members actively involved in the following Sustainability activities:

Participation and Advocacy

• Acting as vocal members on the Campus Sustainability Committee
• Driving specific sustainability initiatives across The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) including:
  • nitrous oxide audits
  • sustainable inhalers
  • promotion of reusable equipment and waste reduction
  • use of telemedicine where clinically appropriate
• Contributed to the business case leading to the recruitment of a Sustainability Manager
• Building networks across the different RCH craft groups and between clinical and non-clinical staff
• Advocating for stronger climate action as a children's hospital

Research

MSA members are using their sabbatical leave and mentoring medical students and junior staff in research projects centered around eliminating unnecessary care, auditing waste, carbon footprint and life-cycle analyses.

Education

Environmental issues are highlighted at:

• RCH Grand Rounds
• MSA Masterclasses
• Junior Medical Staff teaching

Events

• Plastic Free July
• Ride 2 Work Day every October

For more information, please look at the following websites:

• RCH Sustainability Website
• Campus Climate Change Statement