Healthcare Group receives award for commitment to sustainability

Tuesday 07 January 2025

Guernsey's largest general practiced has received the Bronze Greener Impact for Health award from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

This award recognizes the Healthcare Group's commitment to environmental sustainability, including waste reduction, energy conservation, and the use of eco-friendly practices.

Healthcare says it’s already established a dedicated 'green' team to help implement new ideas for reducing its carbon footprint and minimising waste as well as. It has also made a conscious effort to use more environmentally friendly clinical equipment and has installed tiger waste collection bags which reduces the need for clinical waste incineration. The practice also hosts monthly Beach Cleans with Guernsey Mind and Clean Earth Trust.

As part of a statement, Dr Becky Mitchinson said: "We are thrilled to receive this recognition. It reflects all the hard work of our team, but we must not stop there. Climate change has been identified as the biggest global health threat of this century and we have already had over 1C of global warming. The bronze award is the first step as we continue to work our way to the silver and eventually diamond awards. We look forward to being part of a healthier greener Guernsey.

"We encourage patients to use ‘greener prescriptions’ by only ordering what they need and encouraging lifestyle changes as part of their treatment plans. The new nurse-led asthma clinic in St Martins is currently promoting better asthma care in order to reduce the demand for inhalers. Inhalers make up more than 10% of primary care’s carbon footprint. By switching patients to more Dry Powder Inhalers, we are improving patients’ asthma treatment and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"By working as a community, we believe that small changes can lead to significant impact in ensuring a more sustainable healthcare system."