NHS GREAT Yarmouth and Waveney has become one of the country's first to demonstrate its commitment to reducing its environmental impact after producing a wide-ranging strategy designed to cut carbon emissions.
NHS GREAT Yarmouth and Waveney has become one of the country's first to demonstrate its commitment to reducing its environmental impact after producing a wide-ranging strategy designed to cut carbon emissions.
It has been drawn up to help meet national Department of Health targets to reduce the NHS's carbon footprint by 10pc from 2007 levels by 2015.
The document contains an extensive action plan, which includes taking measures to ensure energy efficiency in the primary care trust's buildings while reducing waste and water usage and increasing recycling.
Alison Taylor, finance director at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney and project lead, said: “Our
primary concern will always be making sure we deliver the best possible healthcare to the patients we serve.
“However, it has become increasingly clear over recent years that we also need to commit to sustainable development if we are to protect today's environment for future generations to enjoy.
“Our new strategy sets out a
wide-ranging list of actions which we will take over the coming months and years to help embed sustainability into everything we do.
“As well as looking in detail at
our current practices, we'll be linking with partners from across
the NHS to find innovative
ways of driving through improvements.
“Central government has set the NHS ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions.
“However, we are confident that
we are one step ahead of the game
and are well positioned to make a
real difference to reducing our carbon footprint over the coming years.”
As part of the sustainability strategy, NHS Great Yarmouth
and Waveney will draw up an
energy policy and carry out annual audits of boilers and air conditioning units.
Work will start on an energy awareness campaign, while a green travel plan will be developed to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport.
Video and telephone conferencing will also be developed to reduce
the need for staff to travel to meetings.
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