climate change and sustainability in healthcare
Do busy nursing staff really have time to save the planet as well as everything and everyone else? It might sound a herculean task, but small changes to existing habits and routines could save money and improve health outcomes.
As Britain’s largest employer, the NHS is responsible for around 4% of our national carbon emissions. The health service has a goal to reduce emissions by 80% by 2028-2032, and to net zero by 2040. So, healthcare staff have a role to play.
Sustainability in healthcare is care that can be delivered in a manner that is conscientious of resources, the disposal of waste, and single-use items. Here we examine ways that nursing professionals can make a big difference.
Effects of climate change on the health of children and young people
How it can affect their physical and mental health, and how nurses can offer support
Greener infection prevention and control: how to take the whole team with you
Award winner’s tips for a successful campaign to reduce PPE use and gain staff support
NHS will urge nurses to walk or take buses to work as part of its net zero targets
Unions have stressed need to consider cost and staff safety – especially for shift workers
5 simple ways to be a greener nurse – small climate-conscious changes you can make
These easy adjustments to your routine could save energy and cut emissions
Why all nursing students need to learn about advocacy, activism and resistance
A new course teaches nurses to be champions of patients, colleagues and the profession
Effects of climate change on patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
Understand the ways climate change can aggravate asthma, COPD and cardiovascular disease
Climate emergency: how nursing students can lead greener practice
How to share your knowledge of greener practice with the whole nursing team
Climate emergency: what can nursing students do to be greener?
Our podcast guests discuss how they are making their university course more sustainable
Gloves off: how to implement greener infection control with one small change
RCN Nursing Award winner Robert Vicente’s tips on cutting waste while maintaining safety
Sustainability Nursing Conference: Dragons’ Den-style contest announced
Competition to take place at event in October, with £1,600 to develop the winning idea
Our part in a greener NHS: we’re making progress, now let’s accelerate it
Nurses see the impact of climate change on health – and we have the power to take action
Simple steps nurses can take to help protect the environment
Actions all healthcare staff can implement to be greener at work and at home