Clean Air
Clean air is fundamental to the health and well-being of NHS patients and staff. Poor air quality exacerbates respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and can lead to premature deaths, placing additional strain on the NHS. Ensuring clean air within healthcare environments is essential for patient recovery and the overall health of healthcare workers. The NHS, recognising the critical role of clean air, has integrated this concern into its broader net-zero strategy, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint and improve health outcomes.
Clean air zones in cities like Bradford, Newcastle, and Sheffield are pivotal in achieving cleaner air. These zones restrict high-emission vehicles, encouraging the use of electric transport and contributing to significant reductions in air pollution. For the NHS, the shift towards electric vehicles for patient transport and logistical operations not only aligns with its environmental goals but also results in substantial cost savings on fuel and maintenance. The adoption of renewable energy sources further supports the NHS’s mission, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The NHS’s commitment to a net-zero future underscores the importance of clean air in its operations. By transitioning to electric transport and utilising renewable energy, the NHS can realise significant financial benefits, reinvesting these savings into patient care and medical services. The establishment of clean are zones across the region highlights a collaborative effort between public health initiatives and environmental policies, ensuring a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.
Travel and Transport
▼ West Yorkshire ICB
West Yorkshire ICB is piloting an E-Bike initiative in West and South Yorkshire to improve primary care services. Clinicians, such as nurses and doctors, are using E-Bikes for short trips, including home visits, to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainability, and support active travel. The initiative, led by Andy West in collaboration with local authorities, aims to enhance patient care, cut costs, and encourage healthier lifestyles among healthcare professionals and patients. The program has demonstrated environmental and cost benefits, with plans for further expansion in the region.
In this podcast, join consultant anaesthetist and West Yorkshire Health and Care climate change lead Frank Swinton in conversation with paramedic and clinical fellow, Andy West. They talk about possible alternatives to the car, including a scheme which encourages healthcare colleagues to use an ebike for community and home visits.
▼ Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle Hospitals
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle Hospitals have signed a commitment alongside the North East Ambulance Service to ask ambulance crews to turn off their engines when they stop at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, the Freeman Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Whilst the commitment, which has been signed by the chief executives of all three trusts, primarily focuses on ambulances, it will also be extended to public car parks and drop-off bays to highlight the environmental and health risks that come with leaving an engine running.
Leaving engines running whilst stationary concentrates harmful emissions, such as nitrous oxide, which can have damaging health impacts on patients, staff and visitors, especially those who are vulnerable and have underlying health conditions.
Whilst there will be some occasions where ambulance crews are unable to turn off their engines – such as cooling or warming vehicles or using critical equipment – the ambulance service believes this small step can have a large impact.
▼ Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust & Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
A new partnership will see local NHS staff encouraged to make the move to an electric vehicle.
As part of wider plans around sustainability, NHS Humber Health Partnership has teamed up witheco-smart tech manufacturer, myenergi, to offer employees a significant discount when purchasing a zappi EV charger.
The partnership will help to accelerate the NHS’s transition to electrification, while also providing a smart, reliable, future-proof solution to enable staff to charge at home
▼ Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
To help encourage staff to travel to work in more sustainable ways, the trust have installed new bike storage areas alongside new changing facilities. They’ve also introduced numerous park and ride service for staff, allowing them to travel to work on busses from areas around the city.
These changes have led to a 13% reduction in staff travelling to work by car in just 12 months
Renewable Energy
Discover our commitment to clean air and renewable energy! Visit our Estates and Facilities page to learn about our pioneering efforts in enhancing air quality through advanced air filtration systems and promoting sustainability with cutting-edge solar energy projects. We’re dedicated to creating healthier environments and reducing our carbon footprint. Explore how our clean air initiatives and solar energy solutions are making a tangible impact, and join us in our mission for a cleaner, greener future!