Greener Practice Network
Greener Practice is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company which comprises of a UK-wide network of people working in primary care. The organisation aims to raise awareness of the health benefits of climate action on a national level. They also have a network of local groups.
In 2015, the Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change stated that ‘tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century.’ From a primary care perspective, actions which promote environmental sustainability can improve the health of our patients - for example, by providing care which is preventative-focused and patient-centred, using lean pathways. These actions can potentially also reduce workload and costs e.g. through reduced energy and prescribing costs.
A newly formed group for GPs based in Northern Ireland is meeting online every 6-8 weeks and we would love to welcome new members. Find out more by emailing greenerpracticeni@gmail.com
The Greener Practice website (https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/) provides an overview of sustainability issues related to primary care, with lots of links to additional information and resources. Inhalers are a ‘carbon hotspot,’ currently contributing to around 3-4% of the overall carbon footprint of the NHS. The website also has an asthma toolkit to help clinicians take action in this area, including ideas for quality improvement work.
