Read our report on exploring the sustainability impact of Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)

A new paper has been published by NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP) looking at the sustainability impact of Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) and integrating sustainable healthcare principles with procurement and prescribing.

The paper, which has been led by Rebecca Fisher, Allied Health Professional Prescribing and Procurement Advisor from the NHS LPP Medicines Optimisation and Procurement team, and in collaboration with the NHS LPP Sustainability and Social Value team, is intended to start conversations about how the NHS understands the impact of current prescribing and procurement practices and what we can do to improve.

The full paper is now available to view here.

Key areas of analysis include the CO₂ cost of production and processing, the CO₂ cost of transportation, challenges of disposal and social value.

Rebecca Fisher said: “It has been a great privilege to lead discussions on this piece of work regarding such an important topic. Using a wide range of evidence, the paper explores the impact of these nutrition products from a range of perspectives, including procurement, healthcare professionals, patient and public.

“Recommendations are provided to begin addressing the sustainability impact including many actions that can be implemented by the NHS now. In future, collaboration with suppliers and colleagues across the health system can identify further actions, as we work towards net zero, whilst maintaining access to products when appropriate.”

If you have any queries about this paper, please email Rebecca Fisher via Rebecca.Fisher@lpp.nhs.uk.