Welcome to 'Green Rabbits' the monthly newsletter from the Campaign for Greener Healthcare for an update on sustainable healthcare news, events, resources and our projects. The primary source of information about the Campaign, including an archive of these newsletters, is our website at www.greenerhealthcare.org.
The Marmot Review - Fair Society, Healthy Lives
"Tackling social inequalities in health and tackling climate change must go together." This was one of the findings of the recently published Marmot Review which was tasked to propose the most effective evidence-based strategies for reducing health inequalities.
You can download both the executive summary and the full report here.
The Sustainable Development Commission contributed to the Marmot Review with their own report: Sustainable development: The key to tackling health inequalities.
"Against the background of the ‘big picture’ challenges of climate change and an unsustainable economy, this report provides detailed evidence for the health equity and sustainable development co-benefits available in four sectors: food, transport, green space and the built environment. The report concludes with recommendations for central and local government and an outline of the way ahead for a prevention driven health system in the future."
You can download the SDC report here.
10:10 HEALTH = 10 x 10
The 10:10 Campaign is increasingly being seen as essential treatment for the cash-strapped, high-emitting health sector. Over 100 health sector organisations have now signed up including 60 NHS Trusts (well over 10% of the total). Even units that can't formally sign up are demonstrating their support for 10:10. The Green Nephrology Programme is running its own 10:10 initiative and has produced a renal unit 10:10 action checklist. Kidney teams are supporting the campaign by ticking off as many actions as possible in 2010, and are inviting staff and patients to sign up to 10:10 as individuals.
UNISON TO RUN CLIMATE CHANGE TRAINING
UNISON Cymru and COIN, the Climate Outreach Information Network, have teamed up to offer a great package of training on climate change in Wales. Funded by the Welsh Assembly the project offers a suite of training courses for understanding and communicating on this vital topic. The range of workshops is as follows:
- Climate Change Condensed (a fast moving introduction to climate change);
- How to win the climate argument in a 15 minute tea break;
- Climate Change Speaker Training; and
- Negotiating Climate Change
Events have to be organised by UNISON members but are then open to all. To see a copy of the training prospectus click here.
For more details contact p.short@unison.co.uk
CASH RICH BUT TIME POOR?
Do you want to do more on sustainability in health but don't have the time? Now you can donate directly to the Campaign for Greener Healthcare and two of our main projects: 10:10 Health and the NHS Forest. We have set up an account with JustGiving so you can make a one off donation, set up a regular payment or even fundraise on our behalf. How about a sponsored cut in carbon emissions - 10% perhaps?!
Campaign for Greener Healthcare: www.justgiving.com/kintoa
10:10 Health: www.justgiving.com/1010-health
NHS Forest: www.justgiving.com/nhs-forest
TOOLS & RESOURCES - WAKE UP, FREAK OUT - THEN GET A GRIP
Just in case you haven't seen this cheery little film by Leo Murray... in a bit over 10 minutes it conveys the terrifying scenario we face regarding the risks and consequences of tipping into runaway climate change. The website includes a copy of the script with comprehensive links to the peer reviewed scientific journals on which it is based. If you have any doubt as to the need for urgent action on climate change and/or you haven't seen the this film, this could be a very worthwhile investment of your time. It could also be used to raise awareness of the issue amongst your colleagues. Follow this link to see the film.
CARBON ADDICT SERIES - MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
A medical or surgical approach to carbon detoxification presents a dilemma in the light of recent evidence on the carbon impact of drugs and equipment - such that taking pills can actually lead to an overall increase in carbon consumption. A useful option here is the Medication List Review. This is an innovative technique, whereby all "medications" currently being used by the patient are noted down in a "list", and their therapeutic value "reviewed" before deciding whether to continue them. A related intervention is the Clinic List Review. Here, the list of patients expected in clinic is reviewed and opportunities sought to save them a (carbon-fuelled) journey. Options include running one-stop clinics, or offering telephone consultations.
www.carbonaddict.org/medical-surgical-management
GOOD MONTH FOR ...
The London Green OT Network with their first meeting.
Launch of the Oxford Sustainable Suppers event on 25th February at the Vaults Garden: more details.
BAD MONTH FOR ...
Emissions Performance Standards: despite a concerted campaign to get MPs to vote in favour of Emissions Performance Standards, to make sure new power stations really are more efficient, the vote was narrowly lost: 244 votes to 252. With just 4 more MPs voting in favour of the amendment the vote would have been won. To see how your MP voted click here.
EVENTS
Greener Cardiology Summit, 1st March, London
Counting the carbon cost of cancer care, 5th March, London
World Kidney Day, 11th March, Everywhere
Mental Health Services 2020: High Quality, Low Carbon, 16th March, London
Refurbishment of existing healthcare buildings, 16th March, London
The London NHS Travel Network Event 2010, 19th March, London
World Water Day - 2010 Theme: Water Quality, 22nd March, Everywhere
Promoting Cycling Through Health, 30th March, Bolton
An Introduction to Climate Change and Health, 12th April, London
10:10 MONTHLY THEME - FEBRUARY INSULATION
Improving energy efficiency and warmth at home can significantly improve blood pressure, reduce hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and cut CO2 emissions.
Details of the options available for homes are listed here.
The recently published Update to the NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy shows the benefits of insulation across the whole NHS estate as follows:
- Roof Insulation £1,685,000 and 25,928 tones of CO2 saved pa.
- Improve Insulation to pipework, and/in boiler house £616,000 and 11,195 tones of CO2 saved pa.
- Wall Insulation £207,000 and 25,928 tones of CO2 saved pa.
