Supporting Sustainable Healthcare: NHS Lothian Staff Take Action on Climate Change Thanks to Charity Funding

Over £135,000 has been awarded by NHS Lothian Charity through their Climate Challenge Grants programme to empower staff to implement sustainable practices across NHS Lothian.

Climate change is a major threat not only to our planet but also our health. From extreme weather to air and water pollution, the effects are far-reaching. As a leading healthcare provider, NHS Lothian recognises its responsibility to minimise its environmental impact and deliver services sustainably. As a strategic partner, NHS Lothian Charity also has a key role in supporting the organisation and empowering staff to explore innovative solutions and contribute to sustainability goals.

Introduced in 2022, NHS Lothian Charity’s Climate Challenge Grants enable NHS Lothian staff to introduce greener practices within their departments, wards, and areas, complementing NHS Scotland’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy and NHS Lothian’s target to become Net Zero by 2040.

Open to all staff, grants range from £50 to £5,000 and can be used for initiatives like:

Improving biodiversity
Improving energy efficiency
Increasing waste recycling
Reducing plastic consumption
Lowering travel emissions

The projects that have been supported to date, align with the following categories within the Strategy:

Sustainable communities (28%)
Sustainable travel (28%)
Sustainable care (20%)
Sustainable goods and services (24%)

Measurable Results, Lasting Impact

Since the Climate Challenge Grants were launched, NHS Lothian Charity has awarded 46 grants, with an additional eight projects supported through ward and specific funds. The majority (60%) of grants have gone to General Medical Practices across Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the remaining 40% awarded to teams and departments within NHS hospitals across Edinburgh and one in East Lothian Community Hospital.

These projects have resulted in the following benefits:

Increased Staff Knowledge: 70% of grant recipients reported a significant increase in their knowledge and awareness of environmental sustainability in healthcare.
Improved Behaviour: 86% of staff reported changes in their own behaviours related to sustainability as a result of their projects.
Resource Management: 48% of staff reported cost savings for NHS Lothian through their projects, while 66% reported reduced waste generation.
Staff Wellbeing: 26 grants had a staff wellbeing element, with 90% of applicants reporting positive impacts on staff health and wellbeing.

Case Studies: Staff Leading the Change

Cutting Carbon Emissions with an E-Bike: Catriona, a Health Visitor, applied for funding for an e-bike to travel to appointments in her area. This not only reduces her carbon footprint by replacing car trips with bike commutes but also improves her physical health and mental wellbeing. By sharing her experience, Catriona has become a role model, prompting conversations about climate change and health with families in her area. Since receiving the grant, Catriona has travelled over 211 miles by e-bike, saving an estimated 88,000 grams of carbon.
Bee Healthy Project: Dr. Rosie and Practice Manager Phyllis at Carmondean Health Centre used grant funding to create bee-friendly borders and transform a grassy area outside the Health Centre into a wildflower meadow. This has not only increased biodiversity but has also provided a valuable outdoor space where staff and patients can rest and relax.

A Sustainable Legacy

Climate Challenge Grants have supported NHS Lothian to continue to foster a culture of sustainability across the organisation. Nearly half of the pilot projects are being adopted as mainstream practices, and many staff are implementing further initiatives.

Together, we can make NHS Lothian a leader in sustainable healthcare.