The familiar image of gleaming stainless steel instruments has largely faded from modern healthcare. Replacing them is a reliance on single-use plastics – a shift born from the pursuit of enhanced clinical safety. While initially lauded for preventing infection, this transition has inadvertently created a significant environmental challenge. Today, Australia’s healthcare sector contributes approximately 7% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, a figure demanding urgent attention.
But a new era is dawning. Rather than reverting to past practices, Australian healthcare is leveraging the power of digital technologies to forge a path towards a more sustainable future – one where patient wellbeing and planetary health are inextricably linked.
Digital Health: Reducing Waste and Duplication
Healthcare is fundamentally about saving lives, but its impact extends far beyond the patient’s bedside. Globally, the sector accounts for around 4.4% of greenhouse gas emissions1, and in Australia, that number climbs to 7%, with hospitals and pharmaceutical production being major contributors. A fundamental rethink of care delivery is essential. Digital health is emerging as a transformative force, offering innovative solutions to minimize the environmental footprint of healthcare.
Central to this transformation is My Health Record, a secure national system empowering Australians with control over their health information through the my health app. Beyond individual access, it serves as a vital clinical resource, fostering informed decision-making and seamless communication among healthcare teams. As of September 20252, over 1.9 billion documents have been uploaded, streamlining care and reducing unnecessary duplication.
The federal government’s Sharing by Default legislation further amplifies this impact. By enabling healthcare providers to access previously requested imaging and pathology results, the need for repeat tests is significantly reduced. This translates directly into less single-use diagnostic kits, fewer specimen containers, and a decrease in associated packaging waste. For patients, this means faster results, fewer appointments, and reduced travel – a win-win for both health and the environment.
But could a fully integrated digital health system eliminate the need for physical healthcare facilities altogether? What role will human interaction play in a future dominated by virtual care?
A Prescription for Less Paper and Plastic
The shift towards digital scripts represents a tangible step towards a paperless healthcare system. Eliminating paper prescriptions reduces errors, minimizes clutter, and negates the need for plastic sleeves or courier services. The convenience factor also reduces the likelihood of lost prescriptions, preventing unnecessary repeat visits to the doctor. As of August 2025, over 399 million electronic prescriptions have been issued since the program’s launch in May 2020, with adoption rates continuing to climb.
Within hospital outpatient departments, particularly in high-volume areas like oncology, digital prescribing ensures medication orders are accurate, timely, and traceable, while simultaneously reducing paperwork. This also minimizes the need for physical storage and shredding, further lowering a hospital’s carbon footprint. Moreover, real-time access to medication histories via My Health Record allows healthcare providers to proactively identify potential allergies, interactions, and duplicate therapies, enhancing patient safety and improving outcomes.
Making the Right Call for Cleaner Care: The Rise of Telehealth
Telehealth is proving to be a powerful tool in driving sustainability by replacing in-person visits with virtual consultations, reducing transport-related emissions and reshaping care delivery models. In hospital settings, it facilitates routine follow-ups, medication reviews, mental health check-ins, and chronic disease management remotely, often minimizing the need for physical infrastructure and single-use medical consumables.
A 2023 Department of Health and Aged Care report3 highlighted the environmental benefits of telehealth at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Between January and November 2022, over 83,000 outpatient appointments were conducted virtually, preventing approximately 12 million kilometers of travel, saving around 2.4 million kilograms of carbon emissions, and avoiding the disposal of 100,000 N95 masks – a critical resource during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The positive ripple effect extends beyond metropolitan areas. Reduced patient travel translates to lower fuel consumption and decreased carbon emissions. In regional and remote communities, where patients often travel significant distances for specialist care, telehealth offers a sustainable alternative, bridging the gap created by geographical barriers. However, it’s crucial to balance technological advancements with traditional care models to ensure equitable access for all Australians.
AI and Smarter Systems for Sustainability
The healthcare sector is at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Australia, according to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources4. AI is rapidly transforming how care is delivered and how resources are managed within hospitals. By predicting lab results, AI can proactively flag redundant tests, reducing waste and streamlining workflows.
A Monash University study revealed that AI is also driving a shift towards sustainable healthcare interventions. In oncology, AI-powered decision support tools are assisting doctors in avoiding unnecessary treatments, conserving precious resources and minimizing waste. Operationally, hospitals are leveraging AI to optimize inventory and supply chains, ensuring vital medical supplies are readily available while minimizing overstocking and potential expiration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Health and Sustainability
How does My Health Record contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system?
My Health Record reduces unnecessary duplication of tests and procedures by providing healthcare professionals with access to a patient’s complete medical history, minimizing waste and improving efficiency.
What is the environmental impact of telehealth compared to in-person consultations?
Telehealth significantly reduces carbon emissions by eliminating patient travel, decreasing fuel consumption, and minimizing the need for physical infrastructure.
How can AI help hospitals reduce their environmental footprint?
AI can optimize inventory management, predict supply shortages, and identify redundant tests, leading to reduced waste and more efficient resource allocation.
What role does digital prescribing play in sustainable healthcare?
Digital prescribing eliminates paper prescriptions, reducing paper waste, the need for plastic sleeves, and the risk of lost prescriptions requiring repeat visits.
Is telehealth a viable long-term solution for all healthcare needs?
While telehealth offers significant benefits, it’s important to balance technological advancements with traditional care models to ensure equitable access and address the needs of all patients.
Connected Care Powers a Cleaner Future
Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern in modern healthcare; it’s becoming central to the ethos of care. Doctors and nurses are increasingly aware of the environmental consequences of their decisions. In operating theatres, AI algorithms, advanced computing, and digital precision complement traditional surgical tools, reflecting a broader spectrum of care. The conversation is evolving from “what do we need to heal people?” to “how can we heal both people and the planet?”
What began as a shift from reusable steel instruments to disposable plastics has evolved into a reimagining of modern medicine, where the future of care is as much about data and digital innovation as it is about traditional medical practices. Every avoided test and virtual consultation represents a step towards a better, safer, and more sustainable healthcare system.
*Peter O’Halloran, Chief Digital Officer, Australian Digital Health Agency
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about digital health and sustainability in healthcare. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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