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AHP Green Guide

 
Actions to deliver sustainable healthcare

Welcome to the AHP Green Guide. This resource is designed specifically for the Allied Health Profession ​workforce, offering guidance on embracing sustainable healthcare practices.

To start delivering sustainable healthcare in your daily clinical practice, ​explore our suggested actions categorised into bronze, silver, and gold levels. ​For more detailed information, be sure to watch the accompanying video below.

 

 

Sustainable healthcare focuses on improving our health while protecting the planet and managing costs in health and social care. By making various changes in our practices, we can achieve more sustainable healthcare delivery. This ensures quality care now and for future generations.

The Welsh Government has published key legislation and supporting documents to integrate sustainability into the core operations of health and social care in Wales, ensuring a balanced approach to health, environmental, and economic goals. The NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan outlines steps for the NHS to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement.

For health and social care to meet these goals, the wider workforce needs to embed sustainable healthcare practices into everyday working activities. Unfortunately, there are established barriers reducing the ability of the wider workforce to deliver sustainable healthcare. These barriers include limited resources and reduced understanding. Local and national surveys completed by the AHP workforce in Wales correlates with this evidence base.

To address these barriers, an interactive resource to support sustainable healthcare practices for the AHP workforce has been developed. Interactive resources are proven to enhance healthcare delivery by providing guidelines, protocols, checklists, and educational materials. Studies have shown that well-designed resources improve knowledge and patient outcomes.

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) facilitated an expert steering group to deliberate on the creation of an interactive resource. The resource, named ‘The AHP Green Guide,’ is intended to initiate the workforce's path towards providing sustainable healthcare. Advancing through these actions reflects a commitment to sustainable healthcare practices and contributes to a more significant impact.

‘The AHP Green Guide’ outlines 15 actions, categorised into bronze, silver, and gold levels, along with the necessary resources and case studies to help implement them. Completing these actions and embedding them into everyday clinical practice will:

  • Improve patient care and staff well-being.
  • Reduce the environmental impact of healthcare services and contribute to national net-zero goals.
  • Generate financial savings for health and social care.

‘The AHP Green Guide’ has been robustly evaluated by clinicians to ensure the final resource meets its aim of improving knowledge and confidence in delivering sustainable healthcare practices (Appendix 2).

In summary, the AHP Green Guide seeks to equip the AHP workforce with the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver sustainable healthcare.

    Actions Detail Resources

    3 minutes: Education video

    		 This 3 minute video on AHPs tackling climate change and health inequalities is a great way to improve your understanding on sustainable healthcare.  Educational video

    3 minutes: Personal footprint calculator

    		 Using a personal carbon footprint calculator is beneficial because it helps individuals understand their carbon footprint, identify areas where they can reduce emissions, and contribute to mitigating climate change at home and at work. Click on the link below to access the calculator.

    WWF Footprint Calculator (3 minutes)

    Carbon Calculator - Climate Hero (5 minutes)

    3 minutes: Take the pledge

    		 Let’s Not Waste is a pioneering programme to support waste reduction and decarbonisation in the Welsh health and care sector. To get involved, visit their website (link below), and click on "Join the Network" to make a pledge and start taking action. Let's Not Waste - Bevan Commission

    Link with Green Champion and networks

    		 Work with green champions, local groups and national networks to maximise efforts and effectively implement sustainable practices. Click on the image below to access resources to help you complete this action.

    Local Health Board Groups:

    National Networks:

    Switch it off campaign

    		 "Switch it off" campaigns are about reminding people to switch off lights, computers, and appliances when they're not using them. The campaigns act as friendly nudges to save energy and help the environment by making small changes in our daily routines. Click on the images below to access case studies and resources to help you and your colleagues complete this action.

    Case Studies

    Hywel Dda Health board ‘Switch it off’ Campaign:

    Island of Jersey Government campaign:

    Resources

    Poster:

    Stickers:

    Screen saver:

    Downloads:

      Actions Details Resources

      30 minutes: 'Building a Net Zero NHS' Online Training

      		 The online training, ‘Building a Net Zero NHS’ is designed to raise awareness of the climate and ecological emergency, why it matters for health, and how healthcare contributes to it. Learners are introduced to the 'Net Zero NHS' plan and case studies which demonstrate how clinical practices can reduce carbon, costs, and waste, whilst improving care quality.

      Add 'AHP Green Guide' to local meeting agenda

      Adding the ‘AHP Green Guide’ to your local meeting agenda is a great step towards promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Here's how you can effectively incorporate it into your agenda.

      • Introduction: Start the agenda item with a brief introduction about the importance of sustainability and why the AHP Green Guide is relevant to your organization or community.
      • Presentation: Allocate time for a presentation or overview of the AHP Green Guide. This could be done by someone knowledgeable about the guide or by inviting a guest speaker who specialises in sustainability practices.
      • Key Points: Highlight key points from the AHP Green Guide that are particularly relevant to you, your department, and Health Board. This could include strategies for reducing energy consumption by engaging in ‘switch it off’ campaigns, reducing waste by looking at the ‘gloves off campaign’ or thinking about conversations with patient’s that reduce unnecessary and unwanted care.
      • Discussion: Open the floor for discussion and questions. Encourage attendees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about implementing actions outlined in the AHP Green Guide.
      • Action Items: Identify specific action items or initiatives that can be implemented based on the recommendations in the AHP Green Guide. Assign responsibilities to individuals or committees to follow up on these action items.
      • Timeline: Set a timeline for implementing the initiatives discussed during the meeting. Determine short-term and long-term goals to track progress towards sustainability objectives.
      • Follow-up: Schedule follow-up meetings or check-ins to review progress, address challenges, and ensure accountability for implementing the initiatives outlined in the AHP Green Guide.

      By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate the AHP Green Guide into your local meeting agenda and take meaningful steps towards promoting sustainability within your clinical practice.

      		  

      Add sustainable healthcare to local induction

      		 Adding sustainable healthcare to local inductions raises awareness and environmentally friendly practices within the NHS. It also fosters a culture of responsibility and innovation, ultimately leading to reduced carbon footprint and improved public health outcomes. Click on the image below to access resources to help you complete this action.

      Posters/Screen Savers:

      Active transport campaigns

      		 Active transport to and from work, such as cycling or walking, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote employee health and well-being. Implementing initiatives to reduce transport while in work can also have a big impact. Look at these case studies and resources to help you complete this action.

      Pedal power for cleaner healthcare delivery:

      Ambulance service electric vehicle role out:

      Community care electric vehicle roll out:

      Primary care community services electric vehicle use:

      Boosting healthy and sustainable travel in Manchester:

      Lift Sharing: Some Health boards have signed up to lift sharing platforms to make this process safe and easy to use. Check out CAVUHB’s website as an example.

      Cycle to Work Scheme: Health boards use different companies to support these schemes. Check out your local intranet site for details. Below is an example in CTMUHB.

      NHS Fleet Solutions: Many Health boards sign up to NHS Fleet solutions. If you are thinking of investing in an electric car for travel, have a look.

      Reducing waste and recycling

      		 Reducing waste and actively recycling can significantly lower the environmental impact of our clinical practice in the NHS. Look at these case studies and resources to help you complete this action.

      Reducing food packaging:

      Reducing food waste:

      Reducing paper:

      Downloads:

        Actions Details Resources

        Patient conversations

        		 Engaging in conversations with patients about sustainable healthcare can raise awareness about the environmental impact of clinical practices while highlighting the potential benefits, such as reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and promoting healthier communities. Look at these resources to help you complete this action.

        Shared Decision Making resources:

        Making Every Contact Count:

        Podcasts series to facilitate conversations with patients in Wales:

        Specific podcast on conversations with patients:

        Quality improvement projects e.g. virtual clinics

        		 Undertaking a sustainable quality improvement project in the NHS involves integrating environmentally friendly practices into healthcare operations while continuously enhancing patient care and outcomes. Look at these case studies and resources to help you complete this action.

        Have a look at The Centre of Sustainability case study page:

        Here are some AHP examples from The Centre of Sustainability case study page:

        Hand therapy:

        Other Case Studies:

        Cardiac Rehabilitation:

        Early Stroke Discharge:

        Delivering sustainable eye care:

        Community Pulmonary rehabilitation services:

        Tele Triage:

        Dietetics – Diet Project:

        Quality improvement video to get started:

        Quality improvement step by step guide to support your project:

        Possible funding streams:

        Green Team Competition – have your project recognised:

        Eco friendly procurement

        		 Implementing eco-friendly procurement practices in healthcare can reduce environmental impact by sourcing products and services that are sustainable, leading to cost savings, improved patient outcomes, and a healthier environment for all. Look at these case studies and resources to help you complete this action.

        Dietetics – efficient supplement procurement:

        Sustainable workplace procurement:

        Most Green groups will have links to procurement services. Join your local green group to start collaborating with procurement services.

        Reducing single use plastics

        		 Reducing single-use plastics within the NHS minimises environmental impact but also fosters a healthier, more sustainable healthcare system for both patients and practitioners. Look at these case studies and resources to help you complete this action.

        Reducing single use plastics:

        Gloves off campaigns:

        Quality improvement video to get started:

        Quality improvement step by step guide to support your project:

        Possible funding streams:

        Green Team Competition – have your project recognised:

        Returning equipment

        		 Reducing single-use plastics within the NHS minimises environmental impact but also fosters a healthier, more sustainable healthcare system for both patients and practitioners. Look at these case studies and resources to help you complete this action.

        Case Studies

        Cardiff and Vale University Health Board - Walking Aids Recycling:

        Great Ormond Street walking aid reuse scheme:

        Cheshire and Merseyside ICB - Community Equipment Service:

        NHS Scotland: Repairing and reusing walking aids:

        Resources

        Healthwatch website is a good example of to how to engage with people to increase the return of equipment.

        Quality improvement video to get started:

        Quality improvement step by step guide to support your project:

        Possible funding streams:

        Green Team Competition – have your project recognised:

        Downloads:

        Key Legislation and Supporting Documents

        Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015: This act requires public bodies, including the NHS, to consider the long-term impact of their decisions and work towards sustainable development goals such as a healthier, more resilient, and globally responsible Wales.

        Environmental (Wales) Act 2016: Establishes a framework for managing natural resources sustainably, setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which impact NHS operations and infrastructure.

        Public Health (Wales) Act 2017: Emphasises preventive measures and public health initiatives to reduce the burden on healthcare services and promote long-term sustainability.

        Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: Encourages a more integrated and sustainable approach to health and social care, promoting well-being and reducing dependence on medical services.

        NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan: This plan outlines steps for the NHS to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement.

        A Healthier Wales: Our Plan for Health and Social Care: This plan promotes integrated health and social care services that enhance community well-being, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term resource efficiency.

        ‘The AHP Green Guide’ Evaluation.

        To determine whether The AHP Green Guide effectively supports the workforce, HEIW conducted user and usability testing. This process entailed getting honest feedback from the AHP workforce before and after they completed two to three actions within the AHP Green Guide.

        Figure 1: Level of understanding of sustainable healthcare before and after completing 2 - 3 tasks on the AHP Green Guide.

        Figure 2: level of confidence in delivering sustainable healthcare before and after completing 2 - 3 tasks on the AHP Green Guide.

        Figure 3: level of confidence in finding relevant resources to support the delivery of sustainable healthcare before and after completing 2 - 3 tasks on the AHP Green Guide.

        References:

        British Medical Association (2023), More support needed to help the NHS reach net zero. Available from: https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/population-health/protecting-people-from-threats-to-health/more-support-needed-to-help-the-nhs-reach-net-zero. [Accessed 22nd March 2023.]

        Charlesworth, K., Ray, S., Head, F. and Pencheon, D. (2012), ‘Developing an environmentally sustainable NHS: outcomes of implementing an educational intervention on sustainable health care with UK public health registrars’. New South Wales Public Health Bulletin, Vol, 23. No, 2, pp. 27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/nb11018.

        Dunphy, J.L. (2013), ‘Enhancing the Australian healthcare sector’s responsiveness to environmental sustainability issues: suggestions from Australian healthcare professionals’. Australian Health Review, Vol. 37, No. 2, p.158. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/ah11108.

        Lorenzoni, I., Nicholson-Cole, S. and Whitmarsh, L. (2007), ‘Barriers perceived to engaging with climate change among the UK public and their policy implications’. Global Environmental Change, Vol, 17. No, 3. pp.445–459. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2007.01.004.

        Met Office (2022), What is climate change? Available from: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/climate-change/what-is-climate-change. [Accessed 22 March 2024.]

        The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2023), Sixth Assessment Report. Available from: https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/. [Accessed 12th March 2024.]

        The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (2023), Declare that the climate emergency is a health emergency. Available from: https://ukhealthalliance.org/about/our-commitments/declare-that-the-climate-emergency-is-a-health-emergency/. [Accessed 5th April 2024.]

        Wicklum, S.C., Nuique, K., Kelly, M.A., Nesbitt, C.C., Zhang, J.J. and Svrcek, C.P. (2023), ‘Greening Family Medicine clinic operations and clinical care, where do we start? A scoping review of toolkits and aids’, Family Practice, Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 473-485. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmad006.

        Yamada, J., Shorkey, A., Barwick, M., Widger, K. and Stevens, B.J. (2015), ‘The effectiveness of toolkits as knowledge translation strategies for integrating evidence into clinical care: a systematic review’, BMJ Open, Vol. 5, No. 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006808.