A graduate from the University of Plymouth has led a new study into air pollution levels in and around Derriford Hospital, supporting its ambition of achieving an ‘excellent’ rating in the Clean Air Hospital Framework.
Elliot West is a recent graduate from the
Environmental Consultancy
programme, and works as the Future Hospitals Programme Support Manager for University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust.
For the thesis completed during his course, he analysed data from air quality sensors positioned in and around the hospital, focusing on key locations such as main entrances, receptions and the Emergency Department ambulance drop-off area.
The study was carried out under the supervision of Lecturer in Environmental Science
Dr Cho Kwong Charlie Lam
, Research Fellow in Respiratory Health
Dr Joseph Lanario
, and Honorary Associate Professor
Dr Cyrus Daneshvar
.
It measured a range of pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NO, NO2), ozone (O₃), and particulate matter of varying sizes (PM₁, PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀). 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.
