NHS trusts 'running out of time' as they 'turn a blind eye' to sustainability

Published: 21-Sep-2017

Campaign reveals trusts are failing to implement sustainability measures

NHS trusts are ‘running out of time’ and need to ‘wake up and stop turning a blind eye’ to sustainability, environmental campaigners are warning.

Now in its seventh year, the 2018 NHS Sustainability Day Campaign will be launched on October 4 in London to raise awareness of the important role environmental management can play in delivering long-term savings for the NHS.

Services across trusts are on the brink of collapse due to financial pressures and there has never been a more important time for us to grasp sustainability and drive forward the benefits

The independent campaign, founded by Barts Health NHS Trust and 4 All of us, provides guidance, information, support and resources to NHS managers and directors.

But, at the launch of this year’s event, experts will highlight an apathy among trusts which means they are missing out on both improving the environment and saving money.

Scott Buckler, campaign manager, said: “The NHS is facing a potential crisis not seen on such a scale before.

“Services across trusts are on the brink of collapse due to financial pressures and there has never been a more important time for us to grasp sustainability and drive forward the benefits. Therefore, this campaign is vital.”

But he added: “We have had two pivotal reviews for NHS estates in the shape of Carter and Naylor, both of which placed emphasis on the need to adapt leadership and drive savings through sustainability and energy efficiency.

“We are seeing some great examples. However, some trusts have still not woken up to sustainable development and are running out of time.”

We are seeing some great examples. However, some trusts have still not woken up to sustainable development and are running out of time

He revealed that around 30 trusts in England where not implementing their Sustainable Development Management Plans properly and were ‘turning a blind eye’ to the benefits.

“We even had one trust tell us they had lost faith in their management who simply ignore it,” he added.

The launch day will see a plethora of senior experts and leaders from across the NHS and Government discussing the importance sustainable development can have on the NHS. These include chief executive of Public Health England, Duncan Selbie; Joe Garrod, regional programme manager at the LGA; and Sunil Shah, chairman of the BIFM special sustainability group.

The day will also see the 2018 Sustainability Awards open for entries with 12 categories including Supplier of the Year.

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