Healthcare Leaders gather to join conversation on decarbonising NHS Scotland

Nearly 200 delegates gathered in Glasgow yesterday (07 October 2026) for the second annual Healthcare Industry Leaders Conference.  Bringing together experts from healthcare, life sciences, private sector and academia the event explored how collective action can help accelerate the decarbonisation of Scotland’s health and care system while improving outcomes for patients and communities.

Hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, this year’s conference, Decarbonising the NHS (Scotland), formed part of a UK-wide series of events this year focused on accelerating progress towards decarbonising healthcare and life sciences sectors.

The event featured dozens of cross-sector speakers who each shared the latest developments, innovations and practical examples of decarbonisation in action.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith, opened the conference with a keynote address highlighting the growing impact of climate change on population health. He reinforced a central message that ran throughout the day: Climate action is not separate from delivering high-quality healthcare, but fundamental to it.

The conference was chaired throughout the day by Manira Ahmad, Chief Officer at Public Health Scotland, who guided discussions across a packed programme of presentations, panel sessions and debates. Speakers explored a wide range of topics including sustainable clinical pathways, procurement and supply chains, estate and infrastructure decarbonisation, innovation, adaptation and the role of collaboration in delivering system-wide change.

A consistent theme throughout the event was the challenge of scaling solutions while maintaining a clear focus on patient care, population health and financial sustainability.

We extend our thanks to all speakers and contributors who helped make the event a success.  The full agenda is available to view via the Healthcare Industry Leaders website, and presentations from the day will be made available via the website soon.