Every September, hundreds of GP surgeries up and down the country bravely click 'submit' on an online portfolio of environmental work, in a bid to win an award from a national accreditation organisation. The 'Green Impact for Health' framework has been in existence since 2011, encouraging practices to make positive changes to reduce their carbon footprint. These range from small actions like switching to Fairtrade tea and coffee, to larger Nick-Knowles-esque infrastructure projects such as retrofitting insultation and installing solar panels. As you can imagine, the criteria vary hugely in terms of people-power required, however what they all have in common is that they improve healthcare for patients, and provide a better working environment for staff.
You might be wondering why any of this is relevant. Well friends, the NHS is responsible for about 5% of the nation's carbon footprint. That may seem small, but it's about the same as the population of Greater Manchester as a proportion of the UK. Plus, healthcare is really relatable. By that, I mean we all have paracetamol or multivitamins or plasters at home, right? Many of us have (or live with others who have) long-term conditions like asthma or high blood pressure requiring regular medication and check-ups annually, or even hospital treatment. So, why not apply the same 'reduce, re-use, recycle' mentality to healthcare, utilising resources efficiently and safely, so equipment and medication are available for those who really need it?
If you pop into our surgery, you'll see the new waiting room video screen where we are showcasing some of the brilliant schemes set up to try to reduce our impact on climate change. Many of these have been inspired by colleagues around the UK such as Pharmacy Declares, NHS Dorset, Greener Practice, NHS Newcastle, and Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, and have helped us to achieve a gold award! Well done to all at OSMP who have been instrumental in making positive changes. And we are happy for nearby practices who have also achieved awards this winter: Elvington Medical Practice (silver), Millfield Surgery (bronze), Haxby Group (silver), and York Medical Group (silver). If you don't see your practice listed, pop in and ask if they're signed up to the award scheme.
And finally, if you've got some good ideas as to how your Practice can improve their carbon footprint, send an email, or pop along to a Patient Participation Group meeting.