Swansea Bay doctors say paracetamol switch is a win for kids, cash and climate
Same pain relief, less hassle
Five clinicians at Morriston Hospital studied how children were given paracetamol during planned surgery.
Consultant anaesthetist Dr Tereza Soskova explained: “There’s no difference in safety or pain relief between IV and oral paracetamol.”
Until recently, children were routinely given the drug through a cannula in their hand once they were under anaesthetic. Now, thanks to the project, they are offered paracetamol as a liquid or tablet before going into theatre.
Dr Soskova said the change has been welcomed by staff and families alike: “It’s simpler, less invasive, and the children don’t even notice they’ve had it.”
Big savings for NHS and planet
The team’s findings were stark. IV paracetamol was found to be 24 times more expensive than tablets. Dr Soskova said switching to oral gave “98 per cent cost savings.”
She added: “IV paracetamol results in up to 12 times higher emissions than oral tablets. That has changed our view on paracetamol usage, and we are looking to switch to a 90 per cent oral usage rate.”
In 2024 alone, more than 1,300 children at Morriston had IV paracetamol. If tablets had been used instead, the NHS would have saved £1,150 and avoided 9,190kg of carbon emissions — the equivalent of driving 23,403 miles in a petrol car.
Doctors leading the way
The project — called IMPROVE (Improving Paracetamol use with Routine Oral over Venous administration) — was led by Dr Soskova alongside colleagues Dr Rebeca Harris, Dr Alex Morgan, Dr Lara Sabry and Dr Linn Jarte.
Consultant anaesthetist Dr Harris said: “We wanted to look at the impact we were making here in Swansea Bay. The figures speak for themselves — oral paracetamol is better for patients, better for the NHS, and better for the planet.”
Senior Clinical Fellow Dr Sabry added: “This is about making small changes that add up to big differences. We’re proud Swansea Bay is leading the way.”
Children’s Ward staff at Morriston Hospital who supported the paracetamol project to improve care and cut carbon.(Image: Swansea Bay University Health Board)
Wider impact on healthcare
The team pointed to research in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, which showed healthcare is responsible for five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Pharmaceuticals make up between 19 and 32 per cent of that total.
Dr Soskova said: “Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used medicines worldwide — six per cent of all pharmaceutical sales. So if we can change how we use it locally, the impact could be huge nationally and globally.”
Next step: adults too
The Swansea Bay team now wants to roll out the change across adult surgery in Morriston, Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals. With far greater numbers of patients, the savings in money and emissions could be scaled up considerably.
Dr Alex Morgan said: “This is just the start. If we can make oral paracetamol the default in adult surgery too, the benefits will multiply.”
A greener future for the NHS
The project shows how small changes in everyday practice can deliver big wins for patients and the planet.
Dr Soskova summed it up: “We’ve proved oral paracetamol is safe, effective, cheaper and greener. That’s a win for everyone.”
Green healthcare in Swansea Bay
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Asthma patients switching inhalers could cut Swansea Bay’s carbon footprint dramatically.
Health board’s green approach
Swansea Bay University Health Board showcased eco-friendly projects at a national sustainability event.
Hospital aims to save planet too
Morriston Hospital staff cutting emissions while delivering care.
Inhaler recycling scheme
Welsh Government-funded scheme reducing carbon and supporting NHS Wales Net Zero goals.
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