This practice is proud to be part of the Green Impact for Health Toolkit, actively working to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare and build a healthier, more sustainable future for our patients, our community and the planet.
Healthcare in the UK accounts for around 4–5% of the nation’s carbon emissions, meaning the climate emergency is also a health emergency. Climate change affects the conditions in which we live, work and stay healthy, contributing to issues such as air pollution, heat-related illness, poor mental health and the spread of some infectious diseases.
As a healthcare practice, we have a responsibility to consider the environmental impact of the care we provide. We are committed to delivering excellent, safe and effective healthcare today while helping to protect the health and wellbeing of future generations.
What are we doing?
We are continually looking for ways to make our practice more sustainable while maintaining the high standard of care our patients expect. This includes considering how we use energy and resources, reduce waste, minimise unnecessary travel and make environmentally responsible choices wherever possible.
We also recognise that some of the most effective changes involve working with our patients. Small changes to the way we travel, manage medicines, use healthcare services and look after our own health can make a positive difference.
Good for you, good for the planet
The encouraging news is that many actions that are better for the environment can also be better for your health.
Walking or cycling for shorter journeys can reduce emissions while helping you stay physically active. Avoiding unnecessary journeys can save time and reduce pollution. Looking after your health and managing long-term conditions well can help prevent illness and reduce the need for avoidable healthcare.
We want to support our patients to make healthy, sustainable choices that work for them.
What can you do?
There are many simple ways to make a difference:
- Walk, cycle or use public transport where this is practical and appropriate.
- Consider whether a healthcare appointment needs to be face-to-face or whether another option may be suitable.
- Take medicines as prescribed and return unwanted or unused medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Avoid ordering or requesting medicines that you do not need.
- Look after your health through regular physical activity, a balanced diet, not smoking and sensible alcohol use.
- Where appropriate, choose reusable items and avoid unnecessary waste.
- Help us by using healthcare services appropriately and attending appointments as planned.
Every small change contributes to a bigger impact.
Find out more
We are committed to learning, improving and working with our patients to make healthcare more sustainable.
For practical information and ideas about greener healthcare and how looking after the planet can support better health, visit the Greener Practice website:
Greener Practice
Together, we can help create a healthier practice, a healthier community and a healthier planet.
