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A recent study of air pollution levels in and around Derriford Hospital has contributed towards University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust’s objective of an ‘excellent’ score in the Clean Air Hospital Framework, as set out in its Green Plan.
Future Hospitals Programme Support Manager Elliot West recently graduated from the MSc Environmental Consultancy programme at the University of Plymouth, during which he studied the quality of air at Derriford Hospital. For his thesis, Elliot analysed data from air quality sensors positioned in and around Derriford Hospital, focusing on key locations such as main entrances, receptions and the Emergency Department ambulance drop-off area.
The study measured a range of pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NO, NO2), ozone (O ₃ ), and particulate matter of varying sizes (PM ₁ , PM ₂ . ₅ , and PM ₁₀ ). These pollutants - often associated with vehicle emissions and urban activity - are known to contribute to, or exacerbate, respiratory conditions like asthma, making ongoing monitoring in healthcare settings particularly important.
Through the assessment of air pollution levels over a period of 12 months, Elliot was able to scientifically demonstrate that the air is of good quality, and that it meets the standards necessary to ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff.
“We noticed a link between pollution levels and how many vehicles were on the road, especially during busy times,” explains Elliot. “But overall, the air quality around Derriford Hospital was reassuringly good throughout the study. Most of the time, pollution levels stayed well within safe limits, which is a positive finding for both staff and patients.”
After moving to Plymouth in 2016, Elliot studied for a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology degree at the University of Plymouth, graduating in 2020. Lockdown proved to be a tricky time for graduates, but Elliot was able to find work as part of the team processing Covid-19 PCR tests at the Lighthouse Lab. He enjoyed this, and when the demand for tests reduced in 2022, Elliot took an opportunity to work with the Sustainability team at University Hospitals Plymouth. This allowed him to study for his Masters degree part-time, graduating from that programme in February this year.
“There’s a lot of pressure to find sustainable solutions right now, but I think the team here does a great job making the most of the resources we have. In some ways, that makes the progress even more rewarding,” Elliot adds.
Due to the high quality of his work, Elliot’s tutor Dr Cho Kwong Charlie Lam presented some of his findings at the international Clean Air Conference in October 2024. Elliot’s research has also provided a baseline for future research and potential funding bids at UHP.
Kirsty Wavish, Sustainability Manager said: “The work that Elliot has done, and continues to do, has significantly contributed to our understanding of the air quality at UHP and the work we need to do in order to become a Clean Air Hospital. The data collated has been reassuring to know for a healthcare environment, however, we can always do more, such as encouraging patients, visitors and staff to opt for sustainable ways to travel to our sites, and working with our suppliers and contractors to ensure they take into account clean air when operating on or delivering to our sites.
“The Clean Air Hospital Framework sets out six categories including travel, procurement, design and construction, energy, air quality and leadership, all of which include actions to complete to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. Some of these actions have already been put in place and progress to hit the ‘excellent’ target is monitored on a regular basis. Many of these actions will also reduce our carbon footprint, getting us closer to the net zero carbon emissions by 2040 set by the NHS.”
John Stephens, Director of Estates and Facilities adds: “A huge congratulations to Elliot on completing his degree. It’s a considerable achievement to undertake this alongside the day job, and he should be very proud. Elliot’s work has been important in helping us understand the air quality at Derriford - providing assurance that the air on our site is safe for patients and staff.”
Elliot’s study was carried out under the supervision of Dr Cho Kwong Charlie Lam (Lecturer in Environmental Science), Dr Joseph Lanario (Research Fellow in Respiratory Health) and Dr Cyrus Daneshvar (Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Honorary Associate Professor).
