Allied Health Professions are driving change towards a greener, more sustainable NHS. Dive into inspiring case studies and sustainable initiatives shaping healthcare’s eco-friendly future
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS England
After the celebrations of the sixth Allied Health Professions (AHP) Day in October, with its theme of ‘The AHP Community and AHPs: Right place, at the right time, with the right skills,’ we find ourselves in a perfect moment to reflect on the vital contributions of AHPs in moulding a more sustainable NHS. This article delves into the remarkable progress made by AHPs towards achieving a greener and more eco-friendly healthcare system, focusing on the role of practice managers.
As part of the NHS, which accounts for around 4% of England’s emissions, it’s crucial that we acknowledge the role it plays in both contributing to and mitigating climate change.
In October 2020, the NHS became the world’s first health system to commit to achieving net zero emissions, a commitment now enshrined in The Health and Care Act 2022, which places the onus on all NHS organisations to consider climate change in their operations.
Given that AHPs constitute the third largest clinical workforce in the NHS, their contributions have been instrumental in steering us toward a net-zero future. Below, we’ll explore inspiring case studies that exemplify their dedication to creating a more sustainable healthcare landscape.
Case studies in sustainability:
Switching to home visits: North East London NHS foundation trust
During the pandemic, the Speech and Language Therapy department at North East London NHS Foundation Trust faced challenges that demanded innovative solutions to ensure patients continued to receive high-quality care. Shifting from hospital-based clinics to laryngectomy rehabilitation home visits led to reduced waiting times, improved patient outcomes, and an unexpected reduction in travel miles. This case showcases the potential of patient-centred care models to enhance both efficiency and sustainability.
Go reusable: Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS foundation trust
The Home Enteral Feeding Team (HEFT) at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides care to patients who require enteral feeding. The team initiated a project to assess the environmental, financial, social, and clinical impacts of replacing single-use bottles with reusable ones and extending giving set usage. The results not only promise substantial carbon savings but also highlight positive clinical and social outcomes, reinforcing that sustainability doesn’t compromise patient care.
Reducing waste: Great Ormond Street
The introduction of period pants at Great Ormond Street Hospital has revolutionised menstrual management, offering independence to those with disabilities while reducing the environmental impact of traditional products. This initiative addresses period poverty and promotes sustainable practices, eliciting positive changes in behaviour and understanding. Patients’ overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the profound impact on independence and well-being, coupled with a reduction in waste.
Low carbon models of care: South Warwickshire University Foundation trust
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust initiated the Green Team Competition, collaborating with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. One of the projects aimed to engage care home residents in home exercise programs targeting strength and balance training, ultimately reducing referrals from care homes. The anticipated carbon and financial savings, along with significant time savings, demonstrate the potential for eco-friendly healthcare models.
Guidance for sustainable healthcare
The Council of Deans of Health, in collaboration with expert AHPs, has developed curricula guidance that will be published in late 2023. This guidance will ensure that graduates possess the knowledge and skills to incorporate net zero as a fundamental design principle in healthcare models, aligning with the goal of improving health and care for future generations.
In a recent sustainability statement, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) outlined its commitments to becoming an environmentally sustainable regulator and the actions it intends to take to fulfil these commitments. These initiatives underscore the dedication and innovation of AHPs in championing sustainability within the NHS and beyond.
The commitment and ingenuity of AHPs in advocating for sustainability within the NHS are worth celebrating. The case studies mentioned here are just a small testament to the colossal collective effort of building a healthcare system that cares not only for patients but also for the planet. As we continue to learn from inspiring examples and collaborate on sustainable initiatives, we pave the way for a greener and healthier NHS, benefitting patients, staff, and communities alike.
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