RCSI announces medical scholarships in Bahrain and green surgical accreditation in Ireland

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has announced two distinct initiatives aimed at healthcare development and sustainability. In Bahrain, the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain reaffirmed its commitment to expanding medical education access through the ‘His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa’ scholarship programme. Since 2019, the programme has supported seven students, who have achieved academic success in research areas such as cardiovascular medicine, diabetes, and public health, while participating in community engagement.

In Ireland, RCSI has launched the Green Theatre Accreditation Scheme (GTAS). This national programme provides hospitals with a structured, evidence-based framework to reduce the environmental impact of surgical services. Developed with support from the HSE Climate and Sustainability Programme, the scheme addresses the high carbon footprint of surgery, where a single procedure can generate between 150 and 170 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The accreditation system offers bronze, silver, or gold levels based on ten pillars of sustainable practice, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable procurement.