NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which is the largest health board in Scotland, has over 100 operating theatres across eight sites equipped with high-volume ventilation systems (HVACs).

Dr Malcolm Watson, consultant anaesthetist and co-chair of NHSGGC's Clinical Sustainability Working Group, said: ‘We all grew up being told to switch the lights off and regulate the heating in our homes, so for NHSGGC it's simple common sense to apply that principle in saving energy in our operating theatres.

‘By turning HVACs off, in conjunction with other simple measures, NHSGGC is projected to save more than £750,000 a year, based on conservative estimates.

‘And in addition to these significant financial savings, the change will reduce carbon emissions by around 1,700 tonnes every year, making a significant contribution to NHSGGC's net zero goals.'

A pilot scheme was launched in May to monitor energy savings and infection control standards at two theatres.

The health board aims ultimately to build HVAC controlled management into theatres' normal routines through manual protocols or by installing automatic switches that turn the system on and off by sensing body heat within the theatre.