Healthcare Group has been awarded the Bronze Greener Impact for Health, Royal College of General Practitioners award for its commitment to sustainability and a greener future.
The award recognises general practices that have implemented specific actions to enhance environmental sustainability and is part of an initiative by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK).
Healthcare Group has strived to reduce its waste, energy consumption, travel and medicine waste and by working to adopt eco-friendly practices, it aims to contribute to a healthier planet and create a greener future for Guernsey whilst continuing to provide the highest quality care to patients.
Through this award, Healthcare Group has access to the Green Impact for Healthcare Toolkit (GIHT) with valuable resources and guidance to further enhance sustainability efforts.
The general practice has already established a dedicated ‘green’ team to help implement new ideas for reducing its carbon footprint and minimising waste as well as. It has also made a conscious effort to use more environmentally friendly clinical equipment and has installed tiger waste collection bags which reduces the need for clinical waste incineration.
Dr Becky Mitchinson (pictured) said: “We are thrilled to receive this recognition. It reflects all the hard work of our team, but we must not stop there. Climate change has been identified as the biggest global health threat of this century and we have already had over 1C of global warming. The bronze award is the first step as we continue to work our way to the silver and eventually diamond awards. We look forward to being part of a healthier greener Guernsey.
“We encourage patients to use ‘greener prescriptions’ by only ordering what they need and encouraging lifestyle changes as part of their treatment plans. The new nurse-led asthma clinic in St Martins is currently promoting better asthma care in order to reduce the demand for inhalers. Inhalers make up more than 10% or primary care’s carbon footprint. By switching patients to more Dry Powder Inhalers, we are improving patients’ asthma treatment and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“By working as a community, we believe that small changes can lead to significant impact in ensuring a more sustainable healthcare system.”
