Crime & Safety
NHS Trust slashes carbon emissions amid new inhaler rollout
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) made the change as part of a wider effort to reduce the environmental impact of care and support the NHS’s goal of reaching net zero.
The switch to lower-carbon inhalers was supported by changes in prescribing, additional staff training, and improved support for patients on correct inhaler use and disposal.
Sarah Poole, advanced clinical pharmacist lead in respiratory medicine at OUH, said: “This project shows that we don’t have to choose between high-quality patient care and protecting the environment – we can achieve both.
“For many patients, switching to a dry powder inhaler is clinically appropriate and significantly reduces carbon emissions.”
The trust reported an 18 per cent drop in carbon emissions from pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, and a 22 per cent reduction since recording began in 2022/23.
This is estimated to equal a reduction of 300 tonnes of CO2e over 12 months, comparable to nearly 764,000 miles driven in a petrol car.
pMDIs, commonly known as ‘puffers’, contain a powerful greenhouse gas.
Though they remain essential for many people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are suitable for many patients and have a much lower environmental impact.
Clinicians across OUH are helping patients switch to DPIs where safe and appropriate, while also improving education on correct inhaler use in line with national guidelines.
Ms Poole said: “Good inhaler technique supports better health outcomes and helps avoid unnecessary additional treatment, which also reduces our environmental footprint.”
For patients who are not suitable for dry powder inhalers, alternative and novel options are also helping to reduce emissions by using lower-impact propellants.
Proper disposal of inhalers also plays a key role in reducing emissions.
Up to 30 per cent of the original gas can remain in an empty pMDI, which can be released into the atmosphere if sent to landfill.
Patients who use pMDIs are encouraged to return used or expired inhalers to community pharmacies for safe disposal.
Medicines make up about 25 per cent of the NHS’s carbon emissions in England, with inhalers accounting for three per cent.
Lisa Hofen, chief estates and facilities officer at OUH, said: “Reducing our carbon footprint is an essential part of how we deliver healthcare now and in the future.
“This significant reduction in emissions from inhalers shows the impact that clinical leadership, innovation and patient engagement can have when sustainability is embedded into everyday care.”
OUH now plans to expand staff training, develop more patient resources, and look into reintroducing inhaler recycling schemes.
The Witney Pride Festival began at midday on Saturday, May 23, with a march through the town from Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre to The Leys Recreation Ground.
At the park there was a festival including music, drinks and food, all under the sun.
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Mayor of Witney Jane Doughty said: “What a fantastic weekend at Witney Pride!
“Thank you all for the incredibly warm welcome.
“It’s a true privilege to serve as your mayor and to represent everyone in our wonderful, diverse town.”
At the festival there were performances by Banbury drag entertainer Miss Lightning, the Witney Vocals Choir and the Witney Guitar Club.
A spokesperson for the latter said: “We had a great time.”
In addition Amelia Lakes, Rokat, Kyle Finn and drag sensation Dosa Cat also performed, alongside Lady B, Nicolette Street, Amrick and Lucy Luscious Lips.
Local businesses were also encouraged to participate by decorating their shops with Pride flags and by setting up a stall at the event
READ MORE: Fears for independents around Oxfordshire town as historic businesses close
A spokesperson for The Shake and Sweet Shop witnessed the initial parade and was impressed.
They said: “Nice to get out, during a quiet minute and glimpse some of the colourful Witney Pride parade.
“What a wonderful sound and lovely to spot many of our customers. Hope the festival was as wonderful as the weather.”
Thames Valley Police has said they are concerned for the welfare of Jessica, who was last seen at 4pm on Tuesday, May 26, at Bicester Food and Wine.
The force believes she is travelling to Banbury town centre.
READ MORE: Missing 16-year-old boy sparks urgent appeal from Oxfordshire police
A spokesperson for the Cherwell unit said: “Have you seen Jessica?
“She was last seen in Bicester food and wine around 4pm today. We believe she has travelled to Banbury Town centre.
“She frequents Garth Park and other parks in the Bicester area, but also the library.
“We are concerned for her welfare. If you see her, please call us on 999 quoting reference 1327 of today’s date.”
Thames Valley Police has warned dog owners to “never” leave their pet in a hot vehicle, even if for a short time.
The force released the advice today (Tuesday, May 26) after a dog was removed from a car because of the “dangerously high temperature”.
READ MORE: Oxford highs of 33°C amid thunderstorm alerts and supermarket fridge chaos
It was kept in an air-conditioned police vehicle until the owner returned.
A spokesperson for the South Oxon and Vale of White Horse team said: “We are urging the public to never leave dogs in hot cars—even for a short time.
“Recently, PC Hackett attended a report of a dog left in a vehicle.
“Despite the windows being slightly open and a bowl of water inside, the temperature was still dangerously high.
“The dog had to be removed and kept safe in an air-conditioned police vehicle until the owner returned, where advice was given.
“Cars heat up rapidly, even on mild days. Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature effectively and can quickly suffer or die.
READ MORE: Police statement as missing boy, 16, last seen at Didcot railway station found
“Leaving a dog in a hot car may constitute an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“If you see a dog in distress call 999 in an emergency otherwise report via 101.
“Remember: If you wouldn’t sit in the car, don’t leave your dog in it.”
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