The updated version from the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Medical and Industrial Gases (including cylinders and bulk liquid oxygen) framework agreement supports the commitment in the NHS Long-Term Plan to cut the NHS carbon footprint attributed to anaesthetic gases, including nitrous oxide, by 40%.

William Mitten, category manager - health, NHS SBS, said: ‘The environmental case for action is clear. Capturing and destroying nitrous oxide could cut more than a third of NHS anaesthetic emissions.'

The framework agreement also includes industrial gases, enabling organisations including emergency services and educational institutions, to secure essential gas supplies that meet consistent safety and sustainability standards across diverse operational environments.

Mitten concluded: ‘By embedding these solutions into the latest iteration of our framework agreement, organisations gain access to quality‑assured products and services that meet current regulatory standards, reduce risk and ensure safe use for customers and patients.

‘A range of innovative associated products will also be available for approved organisations to consider throughout its lifetime.'