Sustainability & Green Impact

Our Pledge

We at Parkside Medical Centre are concerned about and recognise the importance and urgency of addressing climate change, and the serious risks that climate change poses for present and future generations. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, promoting sustainability in healthcare, and contributing to a healthier planet alongside healthier patients. We aim to lead by example in the community by integrating eco-friendly practices into all aspects of our operations.

Climate change and health

It is increasingly recognised that climate change is and will have a number of implications for health in the UK and globally. Greater seasonal variation in weather patterns in the UK will mean hotter drier summers with more heatwaves and droughts and wetter winters with more flooding and severe storms. This is predicted to have detrimental impacts on mental and physical health.

The NHS committed to reducing its carbon footprint and to improving its sustainability within its Long Term Plan, published in 2019. These improvements aim to protect the environment and improve health both now and in the future. The NHS Sustainable Development outlines the following goals for a Green NHS:

  • Reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of providing care
  • Reduce air pollution and contribute to a cleaner environment
  • Reduce the use of single use plastics where appropriate and feasible
  • Ensure that prevention and wellbeing are the focus of all healthcare activities
  • Develop sustainable clinical practices in all specialities and services
  • Prepare and respond to climate change, including weather events and supporting vulnerable people

Healthy lifestyles

There many aspects of a healthy lifestyle which also reduce an individual’s carbon footprint. These include:

  • Active travel (walking, cycling etc)
  • Sustainable diet (low in meat, high in vegetables)
  • Reducing car use

Green Impact for Health

The practice has signed up to the Green Impact for Health Scheme. This is an ongoing project to improve the environmental performance of GP surgeries while saving money and ensuring that our services offers the greatest benefit to society as a whole. 

The Green Impact for Health project has been developed for General Practice by the National Union of Students, GPs, trainees, and medical students. It is supported by University of Bristol, NHS Health Education South West and the Severn Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

The scheme covers many different areas including:

  • Social prescribing
  • Fuel poverty recognition and support
  • Reducing waste and increased recycling
  • More environmentally friendly inhaler choices

 

Practice Environmental Action Plan

Environmental Action Plan

1. Energy Efficiency

  • Goal: Reduce energy consumption by 15% over the next 2 years.
  • Actions:
    • Install LED lighting throughout the practice.
    • Introduce motion-sensor lighting in low-use areas (e.g., toilets, storage).
    • Review and optimise heating and air-conditioning systems.
    • Encourage staff to power down computers and appliances when not in use.

2. Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • Goal: Reduce landfill waste by 25% within 12 months.
  • Actions:
    • Introduce a food wastage system to reduce landfill
    • Reduce single-use items where possible and switch to reusable alternatives.

3. Sustainable Procurement

  • Goal: Source 50% of consumables from sustainable suppliers within 18 months.
  • Actions:
    • Prioritise purchasing from local and environmentally responsible suppliers.
    • Use recycled paper and eco-friendly cleaning products.
    • Engage with pharmaceutical reps and suppliers about low-impact packaging options.

4. Travel and Transport

  • Goal: Cut practice-related transport emissions by 20% in 2 years.
  • Actions:
    • Encourage staff and patients to use public transport, cycle, or walk when possible.
    • Reduce travel to the surgery – by using telephone consultations and making the most out of Accurx to email photo’s and receive documents by text or email.
    • Provide secure bike storage and shower facilities for staff.
    • Promote virtual appointments where clinically appropriate.

5. Staff and Community Engagement

  • Goal: Build a culture of sustainability across staff and patients.
  • Actions:
    • Appoint a Green Champion or Sustainability Lead.
    • Partner with local health and environmental organisations for joint initiatives.

6. Monitoring and Reporting

  • Goal: Track and publicly report progress annually.
  • Actions:
    • Review goals and update the action plan yearly.
    • Gather feedback from staff and patients on sustainability initiatives.

 

 

Useful websites

Greener healthcare ideas for patients and doctors: https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/

Kings Fund information on Climate Change and the NHS: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/blog/2019/04/nhs-climate-change

The NHS Sustainable Development Unit: https://www.sduhealth.org.uk/nhs%20long%20term%20plan/nhs-long-term-plan-ltp.aspx

The NHS Sustainability Centre: https://sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/