Among NHS Lanarkshire’s various sustainability initiatives, there are also many staff members involved in making everyday sustainable changes in the workplace. In Particular, Dr Johnny Edgar, who is involved in a group called the Scottish Environmental Anaesthesia Group (SEA G).
The group applied to COP26 to highlight their work within the Theatre Sustainability Group at the conference & made a video of their projects in Scottish hospitals which will be shown at one of the COP26 venue sites.
Dr Johnny Edgar, anaesthetist, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “As healthcare professionals, we are trying to improve the health of our individual patients, but in so doing we are exacerbating the public health crisis associated with climate change. If Global Healthcare was a country, it would be the 5th largest polluter on the planet. I find this statement quite shocking. I had not realised the massive environmental impact of healthcare.
“The operating theatres have a particularly high carbon footprint (40% in most acute hospitals). I felt we needed to try to look at what we are doing & reduce our carbon footprint. There are quick wins we can achieve & other things that will take a bit longer. But it’s worth making a start. People are keen to get involved & we have had great support from the Sustainability department within NHSL. Hospitals across Scotland are doing this & we are sharing ideas & progress. COP26 has been a great incentive to get this rolling & we are presenting our work across Scotland at this event.
“What can you do about it? Each healthcare professional can think about their workplace & the ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. This could be things like:
- Ensuring the lights are switched off in rooms that are not in use
- Phasing out plastic drinking cups,
- Improved sorting & recycling of waste
- Increasing the awareness of healthcare sustainability within their work areas.
“They could also think about different ways to travel to work that are more sustainable, having meat-free days & generally consuming less. It’s all about everybody taking small steps; these marginal gains will add up. Healthcare staff are incredible people. Together we can make a difference!”
Michael Simpson, energy and environment officer, NHS Lanarkshire, added: “If you would like to try out some new sustainable changes to your everyday life, there are some great tips and advice from Home Energy Scotland and Energy Saving Trust.
“As NHS Lanarkshire is working towards net-zero carbon targets, it is also important to make staff aware of the resources available to them to become more sustainable at home.
“Funded by the Scottish Government, Home Energy Scotland (managed by the Energy Saving Trust) have some great resources available, such as interest-free loans and grants, to help staff assess what is available to them based on dwelling type and age.
“Loans and grants are available for a whole host of measures, from improving or upgrading windows and doors, to installing high-efficiency insulation. These resources carry many benefits and allow staff the opportunity to reduce bills, create warmer homes, and help tackle climate change.”
