SUSTAINABILITY

Grove House Surgery will update this page periodically with bulletins showing nformation of interest. Please scroll down to read.

INTRODUCTION:

The climate emergency is also a health emergency, and health care in the UK contributes 4-5% of the UK's carbon emissions. 

We need to enhance the health of our current population without compromising the health of future generations, and this means operating within the sustainable boundaries of the planet.

Fortunately, most of the solutions for the planet also make our health better - for example eating a mainly plant-based diet, engaging in active travel and exercise in nature, avoiding smoking, reducing pollution etc all enhance our health and reduce our need for medications, with further benefits to the NHS, your health and the carbon footprint of healthcare.

This practice is delighted to be signed up to the Green Impact for Health Toolkit and is actively taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. The climate emergency is also a health emergency and healthcare in the UK contributes 5.4% of the UK’s carbon emissions.

What is the Green Impact for Health Toolkit?

Green Impact for Health (GIFH) started in 2014 with a collaboration between the Severn Faculty of RCGP, Health Education England, the University of Bristol, and the National Union of Students (NUS). It is a free SusQI scheme for general practices that includes audit and awards. The scheme is currently funded by the RCGP, delivered by the charity Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK) with its content written by volunteers from general practice.

Green Impact for Health is part of the United Nations award-winning Green Impact programme designed to support environmentally and socially sustainable practice within organisations. The toolkit has been used by over 1400 (15%) General Practices across the UK.

Bulletins:

28.11.24

24.09.24

11.09.24 - Somerset Greener Practice Network

'Somerset Greener Practice Network are a network of healthcare professionals working together to inspire sustainable primary care.  We aim to amplify the brilliant work going on in Somerset and create a space to support each medical practice in Somerset to complete the Greener Practice Toolkit'.  

Greener Practice, in collaboration with South Yorks ICB, has created this video for practices to help inform and empower patients to help reduce medicines wastage. 

(Greener Practice are a network of people encouraging action on sustainability in primary care by providing information, convening groups to share learning and speaking up on the national stage).

11.09.24 - What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is a holistic approach to healthcare that recognizes the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on an individual's health and well-being. It involves healthcare professionals referring patients to non-clinical, community-based services, activities, and support that can help address their wider needs.

The goal of social prescribing is to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being by providing access to resources and support beyond traditional medical treatments. (Somerset Greener Practice Network).

In Mendip PCN (Primary Care Network) Health Connections Mendip work with the Surgeries to provide Social Prescribing amongst other services they provide: 

06.09.24 - 'Please would patients ensure that they return all used or unwanted inhalers to community pharmacies or dispensaries for disposal'.