The NHS is responsible for 4-5% of the UK’s carbon emissions and 3.5% of all road travel; at the same time, climate change is recognised as having a negative impact on health, exacerbating health inequalities.Ìý
Climate change poses a major threat to our health as well as our planet. In October 2020, the NHS became the world's first health service to commit to reaching net zero carbon, in response to the profound and growing threat posed by climate change.
Net zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out. To achieve this aim requires us to balance the amount of greenhouse gases we emit with the amount we remove. When what we add is no more than what we take away we reach net zero. This state is also referred to as carbon neutral.
Here at 91Ó°ÊÓ NHS Foundation Trust we recognise the important role we have in helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. We want to provide high quality care today whilst being a sustainable organisation that is fit for the future.
The quality of our environment has a direct impact on our health. Through engagement and partnership working we will transform our environmental impact and make a positive difference on the health and wellbeing of our staff and the population we serve.
Our Green Plan sets out a framework for how we will reduce the impact of climate change, embrace ‘green’ learning and innovation and support the NHS to deliver a carbon net zero healthcare system, by 2040.Ìý
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"Our Green Plan is our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment and put us on a path to deliver a cleaner, greener, healthier and more equitable future." Stacey Hunter, Chief Executive Officer.
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There are 9 areas that we will be focusing on to make the Trust more sustainable in everything that we do as shown below. We will update the sections so keep checking back for updates and ways you can get involved to support the Trust in being a sustainable organisation that is fit for the future.
Learn more here:
Watch the NHS video here:
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Our sustainable travel plan encourages staff and visitors to 91Ó°ÊÓ District Hospital to use
more sustainable forms of transport.
As the sustainable travel plan evolves, the Trust recognises that it may be appropriate to consider the adoption of further objectives and revisions to targets to ensure that the sustainable travel plan meets future travel demands and expectations.
We trust you will take the time to read this travel plan and in doing so appreciate what it is looking to achieve, what sustainable transport choices you can make and how these will improve the environment for all.
When travelling to the hospital please consider whether you could travel in a sustainable way to help reduce your carbon footprint.Ìý
There are plenty of cycle shelters and cycle parking on site. There is also a self-service cycle repair station (it's bright yellow and situated outside the Odstock Health & Fitness Centre in Entrance B) for any punctures and minor repairs to get your bike back on the go!
For Electric Vehicle drivers we have 14, 7kw EV chargers in car park 7, in front of the Eye Clinic and Spinal Unit. The chargers are on the BP Pulse network. Click here for Help & Support from BP Pulse:Ìý
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The Sustainability team provide support and information on helping 91Ó°ÊÓ NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) to reduce carbon emissions, improve sustainability across the hospital, and support staff and visitors with sustainable and active travel options.
Who we are and how to contact us:
Gemma Heath, Sustainability Manager
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Lucy Davey, Sustainability Officer - Travel & Transport
Please email:Ìýsft.sustainability@nhs.net or call 01722 336262 and ask for the Sustainability Team in Facilities.
Our staff at 91Ó°ÊÓ District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.