Green Alert – Oxford Health’s sustainability

The healthcare sector’s climate footprint is equivalent to 4.4% of global net greenhouse gas emissions and in the UK healthcare is responsible for 5.4% of the country’s net emissions. Air pollution contributes to approximately 36,000 deaths a year and is associated with numerous health conditions.

The ‘For a greener NHS’ campaign works with staff, hospitals and partners to reduce the impact on public health and the environment whilst saving money.

Achievements

The NHS long-term plan is committed to 34% reduction in carbon by the end of 2020, 51% by 2025 and zero carbon by 2050 – a healthier environment contributes to better outcomes for all.

Oxford Health has a 2020 target of reducing carbon emissions by 10%.

We are committed to being proactive in reducing carbon emissions with aims including:

• reducing the number of cars arriving at sites
• reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles
• promoting healthy workforce
• reducing car parking on neighbouring streets
• reducing air pollution and improving healthcare
• reducing congestion on the roads

Digital consultations

Talking therapies had just started a trial using Microsoft Teams, which had been rolled out through our Global Digital Exemplar programme. With COVID-19, there is suddenly a crucial extra requirement: to continue care whilst keeping safe physical distance between patients and staff.

Head of IM&T Will Harper commented: “Teams has been widely adopted by staff and has proved easy to use with the added benefit of real-time chat, document sharing and collaboration. Our clinicians have embraced digital consultations, using Microsoft Bookings to arrange appointments and Teams to consult on-line with patients.

“Since January, the Trust has conducted more than 50,000 digital consultation with patients, averaging 600 on-line consultations per day.