The National Health Service isn’t simply a provider of care, it is one of the biggest employers across the UK and one of the largest energy users nationwide. With that in mind, there is a responsibility across the NHS to lead on sustainability.
In order to find out how organisations and leaders across the health sector can drive sustainability, reduce emissions, and cut down on waste, National Health Executive brought together experts from across the sector.
Keynote: The Challenge of Delivering a Green and Sustainable NHS, From National Ambition to Frontline Reality
This summer has seen further recognition of the effects of climate change, and the intersection of healthcare and sustainability has now never been more crucial. Delivering the opening keynote of the conference was Rachel Stancliffe, CEO of the Centre of Sustainable Healthcare, who shared her insights on the urgent need for the NHS to embrace sustainability as a core mission. Rachel's journey into sustainability began at a young age, shaped by her personal experiences with health issues linked to environmental factors. This early awareness laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to promoting sustainable practices within healthcare.
The NHS, as both a contributor to and a victim of climate change, faces significant challenges. Rachel highlighted that the climate crisis is not a distant threat; it is a current reality affecting patient care, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource pressures impacting healthcare delivery. With nearly 3,000 excess deaths attributed to heatwaves in recent years, the need for a sustainable approach to healthcare is urgent.
One of the key takeaways from Rachel's keynote speech was the importance of integrating sustainability into the very fabric of healthcare practices. She argues that treating sustainability as an optional agenda will lead to failure amidst operational pressures. Instead, it must be embedded into decision-making processes at all levels of the NHS. This shift requires leadership and a commitment to making sustainable options the default choice, rather than an afterthought.
Rachel also emphasised the importance of community involvement in this journey. With over 9,000 members in their network, the Centre of Sustainable Healthcare encourages individuals and organisations to engage in the conversation and take action towards sustainable healthcare. By promoting health, preventing disease, and streamlining service delivery, we can create a healthcare system that not only meets the needs of patients today but also protects the environment for future generations.
As we move forward, the challenge remains: how can we ensure that sustainability becomes a standard practice rather than a special initiative? Rachel's insights offered delegates a call to action for all healthcare professionals to embrace this critical mission. The decisions we make today will shape the future of healthcare and the planet.
Patient-Centered Innovation: Co-Designing the NHS of Tomorrow
With healthcare systems under constant pressure, the need for innovation and sustainability is a major issue. The first panel discussion of the day explored a crucial aspect of this transformation: co-design. By placing patients at the heart of service redesign, we can create a more efficient and compassionate NHS that meets the needs of everyone it serves.
Our expert panel, featuring Judith Hughes, Garry Perry, and Hawarun Hussain, delved into the importance of involving patients in the redesign of healthcare services. They highlighted that while technology often takes centre stage in discussions about NHS innovation, the real transformation begins with relationships and genuine engagement with patients. Co-design is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental approach that can lead to a greener, more sustainable NHS.
One of the key challenges discussed was the tendency for patient voices to be sidelined during the decision-making process. Many healthcare professionals fear that involving patients will delay progress, but our panellists argued that this is a misconception. Engaging patients can actually lead to more effective solutions that address real-world issues, ultimately saving time and resources in the long run.
Throughout the discussion, the panellists shared practical case studies that illustrate the positive impact of co-design. From improving patient pathways to streamlining care, these examples demonstrate that when patients are actively involved, the outcomes are significantly better. The conversation also touched on the importance of listening and responding to patient feedback, which can guide future innovations and improvements.
As we look to the future of the NHS, it’s clear that fostering trust and open communication with patients is essential. The panel emphasised that healthcare professionals must be willing to have honest conversations with patients, even when the topics are difficult. By doing so, we can create a culture of collaboration that empowers patients and ensures their needs are met.
In conclusion, this panel discussion serves as a powerful reminder that the future of the NHS hinges on our ability to co-design services with patients. By embracing this approach, we can build a healthcare system that is not only more sustainable but also more responsive to the diverse needs of our communities.
Building a Sustainable Health System
In the next leaders' debate, we delved into the critical topic of sustainability in healthcare, a pressing issue that is no longer just a niche initiative but a strategic imperative for the NHS. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise amidst climate pressures and constrained resources, it is essential to rethink how we deliver care sustainably for the long term.
The panel, featuring Professor Scarlett McNally, Jonathan Guppy, Chris Naylor, and Neil Cartwright, shared their insights on the current realities of sustainability within the NHS. They discussed the importance of embedding environmental stewardship into clinical outcomes, estates management, and integrated care systems. The conversation highlighted the need for practical strategies that move beyond high-level jargon to actionable solutions.
One of the key points raised during the panel was the impact of climate change on healthcare delivery. The experts emphasised that sustainability is not just about environmental concerns; it is intrinsically linked to patient care and operational efficiency. By addressing sustainability, the NHS can improve patient outcomes while also reducing its carbon footprint.
The discussion also touched on the significance of language in communicating sustainability goals. As Neil Cartwright pointed out, the terminology surrounding sustainability can often be problematic, leading to confusion among healthcare professionals and the public alike. Simplifying the language and making it more accessible can help foster a culture of sustainability within the NHS.
Our panellists also delved into the practical steps that can be taken to enhance sustainability in healthcare, such as promoting active travel for NHS staff and implementing perioperative care pathways that encourage patients to take an active role in their health. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers to create a sustainable health system.
As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, the panellists encouraged delegates to engage in conversations about sustainability within their own healthcare settings. By normalising these discussions, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future for the NHS and the wider community.
Waste Reduction and Circular Economy in Healthcare (in partnership with Sharpsmart)
A critical issue that affects not just the healthcare sector, but the environment as a whole was the next big topic of the day: waste management in the NHS. With the NHS being the largest publicly funded health service in the world, it is responsible for an astounding 600,000 tonnes of waste each year. Of this, approximately 156,000 tonnes are classified as clinical waste, which poses significant challenges for sustainability and environmental health.
Our guests, Phil Steer, a waste management consultant at Sharpsmart, and Anna-Lisa Mills, a sustainability manager at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, shed light on the urgent need for the NHS to rethink its waste management practices. They discussed the outdated mindset of "use it once and throw it away" and how a shift towards a circular economy can lead to significant reductions in waste and carbon emissions.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the importance of data in waste management. Phil emphasised that many trusts already hold more waste data than they can act on, and by leveraging this data, organisations can make informed decisions that align with the NHS's clinical waste strategy. This strategy not only aims to reduce waste but also to enhance clinical safety and cost-effectiveness.
Anna-Lisa shared her insights on the role of suppliers in achieving sustainability goals. The NHS spends a staggering £700 million annually on goods and services, making it crucial for suppliers to align their practices with the NHS's net zero targets. By prioritising suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, the NHS can create a more environmentally friendly procurement process.
Throughout the panel, both guests highlighted the need for a cultural shift within the NHS. Educating staff and patients about the impact of their choices on waste generation is essential. For instance, a discussion around inhalers revealed that while metered-dose inhalers are commonly used, dry powder inhalers are not only equally effective but also have a significantly lower carbon footprint. Such insights can empower patients to make more sustainable choices regarding their healthcare.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is evident that collaboration, education, and innovative thinking are vital. The NHS has a unique opportunity to lead by example in the healthcare sector by adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and patient care.
Green Innovation in Medical Technology
To close out the day’s discussions, we brought together another panel of experts to discuss 'Green Innovation in Medical Technology,' shedding light on the vital role that eco-friendly practices play in patient care and the overall health of our planet.
The NHS, as one of the largest healthcare providers in the world, has a significant environmental footprint. Medical technology is essential for patient care but often comes with a hefty resource cost. The panel, featuring Heidi Barnard from NHS Supply Chain, Alexandra Hammond from NHS England, Clare Nash from Black Country Alliance, and Frances Mortimer from the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, delved into the complexities of integrating sustainability within the healthcare system.
A key focus of the discussion was the need for a paradigm shift in how medical devices are designed and procured. The panel highlighted the importance of circular economy principles, which advocate for reusability and waste reduction. Claire Nash introduced the 'Design for Life' programme, aimed at transitioning from single-use to reusable products, thus reducing the amount of waste generated in healthcare settings.
Furthermore, the conversation touched on the critical role of collaboration between the NHS, suppliers, and patients. Alexandra Hammond emphasised that patients are often the driving force behind sustainability initiatives, pushing for better practices and more responsible use of resources. This engagement not only fosters a sense of community but also enhances the overall quality of care provided.
However, the journey towards a greener NHS is not without its challenges. The panel discussed the barriers to implementing sustainable practices, such as ingrained behaviours and the perception that low-carbon products may compromise patient care. Heidi Barnard eloquently stated that “we need to decouple the perception that low carbon means lower quality,” highlighting the need for a cultural shift within the healthcare system.
As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the path to sustainability requires a collective effort. From procurement strategies to patient engagement, every stakeholder has a role to play in reshaping the future of healthcare. The panel concluded with a powerful message: 'Greening the NHS is not a side project; it's central to the future of the service.'
To ensure that you don’t miss any of the insights that were passed on to delegates across the entirety of the conference, you can watch all of the panels on demand here.
