Committed to a greener NHS: NHS Lothian Charity Supports the Completion of the First Biodiversity Action Plan for a Health Board in Scotland

In a significant development for protecting wildlife across the NHS estate, NHS Lothian Charity has supported NHS Lothian in completing its Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), marking a significant milestone as the first such plan finalised by a Health Board in Scotland. This achievement sets a new standard for environmental stewardship, guiding the protection and enhancement of natural spaces across NHS Lothian’s estate.

The development of this plan underscores NHS Lothian’s commitment to the NHS Lothian Sustainable Development Framework and the national NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy. This comprehensive 10-year plan provides a clear roadmap for NHS Lothian and its partners to actively address climate change and biodiversity loss across its sites.

NHS Lothian Charity has provided ongoing support throughout its development and will continue to support its delivery. Ian Mackenzie, Green Health Programme Manager at NHS Lothian Charity, said:

The completion of this BAP represents a huge step forward for NHS Lothian. NHS Lothian manages extensive green spaces, recognising the important connection between outdoor environments and both physical and mental wellbeing. This BAP will guide our collaborative efforts to cultivate thriving natural environments across the entire estate, making hospitals and facilities more welcoming for wildlife and people alike. It establishes a robust precedent for environmental responsibility within the healthcare sector, and we are delighted to support NHS Lothian in pursuing its ambitious goals for a healthier planet and healthier communities.”

Mr. George Gordon, Sustainability Champion and Non-Executive Board Member for NHS Lothian, commented on the plan’s significance:

This plan outlines the development of the greenspaces within the NHS Lothian estate and builds upon successful projects that have already positively impacted patients, staff, and the wider community. We prioritise enhancing our teams’ skills in managing diverse grasslands, collaborating with experts, and partnering to improve key sites.

“Witnessing the dedication of our staff has been inspiring. We share a collective responsibility to create a sustainable future, and I urge everyone to engage with this plan.”

With this groundbreaking plan now completed, NHS Lothian is leading the way and setting a strong example for other healthcare institutions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and the wellbeing of both patients and the planet.

What is a Biodiversity Action Plan?

A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is a programme designed to protect and enhance the biodiversity of environments. Biodiversity Action Plans are important 10-year strategies that guide organisations in protecting and improving the natural environments they oversee. Recognising our potential positive and negative impacts, this BAP aims to shift the balance in favour of nature. This plan has been developed this plan at an organisational level to:

Ensure NHS Lothian meet its legal obligations and duties as a public body
Provide essential support and guidance to teams for informed decision-making.
Clearly communicate actions and environmental standards to partners and stakeholders.

The Plan in Action:

With a vision of achieving a “nature positive” status by 2030 and complete biodiversity restoration across its estate by 2045, NHS Lothian is committed to creating a thriving natural environment that fosters healthy communities.

The BAP translates goals into action by outlining achievable steps for biodiversity conservation. It includes detailed action plans for specific types of greenspaces within the NHS Lothian estate.

It provides guidance to Estates and Facilities teams for operational activities, supports the integration of nature into future capital planning, informs staff and communities on how they can contribute, and facilitates engagement with partner organisations.

These plans address the unique threats faced by each habitat while adhering to relevant policies and legislation.