Graduate’s research contributes to hospital trust’s air quality assessments

Elliot West studied air pollution levels in and around Derriford Hospital during his MSc Environmental Consultancy programme

Graduate’s research contributes to hospital trust’s air quality assessments

Elliot West studied air pollution levels in and around Derriford Hospital during his MSc Environmental Consultancy programme

University Hospital �鶹��ý NHS Trust

Mr Alan Williams

Media and Communications Manager

Corporate Communications (Marketing and Communications)

1 July 2025

A graduate from the �鶹��ý 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 �鶹��ý 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.

There’s a lot of pressure to find sustainable solutions right now.

We noticed a link between pollution levels and how many vehicles were on the road, especially during busy times. But overall, the air quality around Derriford Hospital was reassuringly good throughout the study. Most of the time, pollution levels stayed well within safe limits, which is a positive finding for both staff and patients.

Elliot West
MSc Environmental Consultancy graduate

After moving to �鶹��ý in 2016, Elliot studied for a Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology degree at the University, graduating in 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked as part of the team processing PCR tests at the Lighthouse Lab, and when the demand for tests reduced in 2022, began to work with the Sustainability team at University Hospitals �鶹��ý.

This allowed him to study for his masters degree part-time, and he graduated from that programme in February this year.

My course provided me with a broad and in-depth understanding across a wide range of topics, including environmental legislation, impact assessment, sustainability, pollution monitoring, and project management. By incorporating applied learning elements such as site visits, fieldwork, and case-based projects, the programme helped me build the practical skills and confidence required to manage environmental issues in professional settings. These experiences have directly informed both this project and my current professional role, where I continue to apply this knowledge to support informed decision-making and drive practical environmental improvements.

Elliot West

Some of the findings from the work were presented at the international Clean Air Conference in October 2024, and Elliot’s research has also provided a baseline for future research and potential funding bids at UHP.

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Find out more about our MSc Environmental Consultancy programme