We’re saying a fond farewell to our four sustainability interns, who’ve been helping us achieve our environmental ambitions.
Aatikah Ahmad, Abigail Freel, Kayla McCandlish and Christabel Oketona have been with NHS Lanarkshire since October and are leaving at the end of January.
Aatikah is based in the Environmental Sustainability team at Kirklands, providing support on a number of key projects, and has been working on an energy benchmarking project.
She said: “I’m really enjoying my time here and the chance to further develop my skills.
“I recently graduated from the University of Glasgow with a BSc (Hons) in Geography, which has given me a knowledge and understanding of complex interactions between the land, human activity and the environment. This background has given me the essential skills to assess environmental and sustainability issues.
“In my intern role, I’m helping with the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance Report. This involves the analysis of factors including energy consumption, waste and transportation, to understand NHS Lanarkshire’s current impact on the environment and then develop strategies for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.”
Abigail has been working in PSSD, focusing specifically on waste, including carrying out audits in conjunction with the waste teams across the acute sites.
She said: “I’m in my third year at Glasgow Caledonian University, studying for a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management. I’ve developed a deep interest in how we’re changing our habits and setting new targets on how we will reach net zero globally.
“I’ve been doing waste audits at Monklands, as well as carrying out a waste survey. The main focus for my internship is the potential introduction of recyling bins to every ward and department.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Monklands and I’ve learned so much.”
Kayla has been working with the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) team, researching “active travel” (walking/cycling/wheeling) and sustainable transport to assist the development of the Full Business Case for the new University Hospital Monklands.
“I’m enjoying my time with the MRP team and I’m extremely proud to be part of such a large scale, innovative and sustainable project,” said Kayla, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Geography from the University of Glasgow.
“I’ve been helping create the Active Travel and Sustainable Transport Strategy, which will describe the methods to implement active and sustainable transport options for all staff, patients and visitors.
“Methods of active travel can fit all purposes – transport, exercise and recreation. Providing staff, patients and visitors an inclusive, safe and convenient way to travel sustainably will boost NHS Lanarkshire’s efforts to become net zero by 2038.”
Christabel, who’s based within the Environmental Sustainability team, has been analysing access data and business mileage to identify any trends which will help with future strategic decision making.
She said: “I’m enjoying my time here, working alongside my amazing colleagues in NHS Lanarkshire to contribute to achieving Scotland’s net zero target.
“I’m a final year environmental management student at Glasgow Caledonian University. As an intern at Kirklands HQ, I’ve been working on promoting active travel initiatives. This involves identifying gaps in current transportation practices, analysing trends in staff and patient commuting behaviours and assessing the effectiveness of existing facilities for active travel.
“I’ve also been evaluating the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure within the health board, identifying opportunities for expanding charging stations and encouraging the use of EVs among staff and visitors, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable healthcare environment.”
Head of Sustainability & Environmental Performance, Craig Brown (pictured above with interns), said: “It’s been great working with, and getting to know, all the interns.
“Each brings a unique skillset and perspective, and they’ve all been providing some much needed resource in some of our key areas within environmental sustainability.”
