NHS staff in the North East have gone the extra mile to offset the health sector’s carbon emissions by planting more than 200 new trees on the grounds of University Hospital of North Tees.
The project was carried out under the mast of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s 100 Leaders programme and was led by green champions Katie Coulson, the trust’s systems administrator, and Danielle Jamieson, an A&E nurse.
Katie Coulson said: “We knew from the beginning that our project for 100 Leaders would be based on the Trusts green plan. By introducing new woodland areas, we hope to aid local conservation, reduce the site's carbon foot print and inspire others to make positive changes where they work.
“We are grateful for the project support we have received and I’m really looking forward to seeing the end result as the woodlands start to grow.”
The initiative has been supported by Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council and NHS Forest’s Centre, who have donated 500 trees via the Trees Call to Action Fund – North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have planted more than 1,000 trees so far.
Hilton Heslop, the trust’s associate director of corporate affairs and strategy, added: “It is fantastic to see the donated trees planted under our green agenda; this is a great achievement in the 100 Leaders programme.
“Congratulations to Katie, Danielle and their team for implementing such an important sustainable element to our sites. I look forward to seeing the impact on staff and patients.”
With all planted trees being grown and sourced locally, the trust has further plans to plant more trees on its University Hospital of Hartlepool site.
For more information on how the NHS is tackling the threat of climate change, read our latest online magazine and learn how sector leaders believe how the NHS can achieve its net zero strategy, how active travel can help staff save money and meet net zero targets, and more.
