GP surgeries in York are taking bold steps towards reducing the carbon footprint of the health and care system.
Across the city, five surgeries have received accreditation this year from the national Green Impact for Health programme – with Old School Medical Practice receiving a prestigious gold award.
The surgery has led several successful schemes, from reducing medicines waste and improving recycling to promoting healthier lifestyles, and has also inspired neighbouring surgeries. Elvington Medical Practice, Haxby Group and York Medical Group each achieved a silver award, with Millfield Surgery achieving a bronze award.
Green Impact for Health encourages GP surgeries to take action to provide better, greener care for the benefit of patients and the planet. A commitment to sustainability can build cohesion between surgeries and the communities they serve, improving staff morale and retention.
Dr Rumina Önaç, a GP at Old School Medical Practice, said: “We are really proud to have achieved a gold award. It is a huge accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of our team over the past 5 years.
“Everyone at Old School Medical Practice has been instrumental in this, including patients. Our green initiatives allow us to work with and support our community in so many different ways, and we are always keen for patients to share their thoughts with us. In fact, the blister pack recycling idea came from our Patient Participation Group.
“Well done to all the practices in York who have received an award this year, as well as those working towards accreditation. Every step, big or small, helps to normalise the idea that we can and should strive to provide high-quality care that doesn’t cause environmental damage.
“Most of these initiatives actually save the NHS money long-term, which is vital in the current under-funding crisis”
Nationally, the NHS is responsible for approximately 5 per cent of the UK’s carbon footprint, and in a typical GP surgery, the majority of this is due to medicines and prescribing, while staff and patient transport make up the bulk of the ‘non-clinical’ carbon.
Patients visiting Old School Medical Practice can learn more about its initiatives via a new waiting room video screen, which highlights some of their key projects. The local community are also encouraged to get involved by sharing their ideas or attending Patient Participation Group meetings.
The programme started in 2011 and supports healthcare staff in learning and leading for sustainability in their area of work.
Awards are issued each year by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the National Union of Students.