We believe that the climate emergency is a health emergency- we are committed to taking actions to reduce our carbon footprint in helping the NHS to reach net zero by 2040- health care in the UK contributes 4-5% of the UK’s carbon emissions. Climate change directly impacts health and it falls on all of us to push for change. Here we will tell you what we are doing to make a positive difference and collect a range of resources we think will benefit you, us and the planet.
Brook Square Surgery
Fortunately, most of the solutions for the planet also make our health better – for example eating a mainly plant-based diet, engaging in active travel and exercise in nature, avoiding smoking, reducing pollution etc. These activities all enhance our health and reduce our need for medications, with further benefits to the NHS, your health and the carbon footprint of healthcare.
How does climate change affect health?
From extreme weather events, air pollution to threatened access to food security and safe water- there are many ways in which climate change affects global health. Climatehealth.info and the UN Climate Action are excellent places to start
Admission avoidance
It might not be your first thought, but helping our patients stay out of hospital is not just better for everyone, but better for the planet too. Avoidable hospital admissions which are often due to use of multiple medications or the need for better and more prompt community input have significant carbon impacts.
Here we have collected some resources you may find helpful:
Home from Hospital is a service provided by Carers Plus- you can self refer, be referred by your GP or a family member. It aims to support people who have recently attended hospital for A&E or inpatient care
Air Pollution
Antibiotic resistance and contamination
Asthma care and Inhalers
Glasses and contact lenses recycling
Specsavers participate in recycling schemes for contact lenses and glasses– save them from landfill! Click on the links to find out more
Green Impact for Health Toolkit
This practice is delighted to be signed up to the Green Impact for Health Toolkit and is actively taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. We are hoping to achieve Bronze status by October 2025. The climate emergency is also a health emergency, and health care in the UK contributes 4-5% of the UK’s carbon emissions. We need to enhance the health of today’s population without compromising the health of future generations, and this means operating within the sustainable boundaries of the planet. Fortunately, most of the solutions for the planet also make our health better – for example eating a mainly plant-based diet, engaging in active travel and exercise in nature, avoiding smoking, reducing pollution etc. These activities all enhance our health and reduce our need for medications, with further benefits to the NHS, your health and the carbon footprint of healthcare.
Take a look at the Greener Practice website to learn more about this.
Litter Picks
I’m an enthusiastic litter picker and am regularly out in some problem areas- I am part of a community group called “Keep Scarborough Tidy”– these photos are from my own picks with equipment provided free from KST and collected bags are kindly then taken away by NYC. Contact the group if you want to get involved!
Mobility and personal care equipment recycling
Did you know?: If you have already benefited from equipment loaned to you that you no longer need, Medequip can arrange a free collection, to recycle and help others in need. To find out more visit returning equipment or contact on 01423 226240 or email north.yorks@medequip-uk.com. Further info also available from NYC
Non-medical care recycling
Because well we didn’t want to ignore all the really important recycling schemes for every day items and consumables. Remember, if at all possible, reduce your buying of single use first if at all possible, re use where you can but recycle the rest!
Park Run
Any age or ability welcome and no need to book. You can register here or visit the facebook page
Plastics and Plastic Pollution
Podcasts
Climate & Health
A collection of podcasts that discuss how climate change matters to all of our health
Spare stoma supplies?
Colostomy UK support the Jacobs Well Appeal who distribute stoma supplies to poorer countries where patients have to pay for their supplies and the price of the items is often beyond most peoples wages. Without these bags the patients are effectively housebound and there life is very desperate. Jacob’s Well Appeal are very grateful to receive any donation of unwanted Ostomy products including pouches (even if they have been pre-cut). They can also accept lotions, powder, sprays, gels and wipes – provided they are unopened. Find out more here
The Sewerage Problem
Your Medications
You can send your Novo Nordisk insulin pens back for recycling: after you have finished them and disposed of the needle safely in your sharps box, make sure they get a new life! You can drop off at Boots Westborough Store or we have a drop off box at reception right here!
Calling all parents and caregivers!: have lots of these syringes at home? Did you know you can drop them off or return them free for recycling? Find out more here!