31 March- 4 April
There is strong support from AHP staff to tackle the climate change crisis. The NHS is responsible for 5% of all UK emissions. Every aspect of healthcare delivery, from the production and disposal of equipment used, to the energy used in the settings we work in, to the travel for our patients and staff, contributes to carbon emissions. By addressing these areas, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable healthcare system.
AHPs must act now to reduce the environmental impact of our services and deliver sustainable healthcare. The ‘Allied Health Professions Strategy for England: AHPs Deliver’ emphasises integrating net zero practices into all AHP work.
We are asking dietetic teams to get involved with #GreenerAHP Week this year.
You can find the full programme of events here.
Strategic objectives of the week
- Raise awareness of the links between health and climate change; the NHS Net Zero ambition and the shifts required to build a greener NHS programme, nationally and regionally.
- Build engagement and momentum through showcasing AHP and wider initiatives
- Provide practical actions that clinicians can undertake
- Promote Greener AHP regional leadership
How can you get involved?
- Schedule time to join the daily sessions
- Arrange team discussions
- Share what you or your team are doing using #GreenerAHP on social media
- Submit case studies to the Centre of Sustainable Healthcare
- Host your own event during the week
- Commit to undertake e-learning during the week. Find out more about the Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare Programme here.
Daily events:
Monday: Introduction to Greener AHP Week – Monday 31 March (10am – 11am)
Introduction to Greener AHP week by Suzanne Rastrick OBE, CAHPO for England, followed by session to highlight why sustainable healthcare is important for AHPs and practical steps all AHPs can follow.
Tuesday: Integrating sustainability into AHP clinical pathways – Tuesday 1 April (1pm – 2pm)
Showcase examples of how AHPs have integrated environmental sustainability into clinical or system-wide pathways highlighting how this can also result in improvements in patient care and efficiency.
Wednesday: Preventative care and introducing sustainability into the community for AHPs – Wednesday 2 April (3pm – 4.30pm)
Showcase examples of preventative work by AHPs highlighting the link between prevention and environmental sustainability. Followed by an introduction into how AHPs can use behavioural change to embed preventative strategies into daily interactions and pathways.
Thursday: Student takeover – Thursday 3 April (1pm – 2pm)
Showcase examples of how universities and students are embedding sustainability into undergraduate curriculums through university sessions and placements.
Friday: Final day Friday 4 April – Where you can make an impact towards net zero (no webinar)