Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare programme on eLearning for Healthcare
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH) has partnered with NHS England e-Learning for Healthcare to produce a series of short, practical, online sessions to support and empower healthcare staff to practice sustainable healthcare where they work.
Overview
The Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare (ESH) programme provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to deliver care that is financially, socially and environmentally sustainable. Developed in partnership with Health Education England and NHS England, the programme offers free, case-based eLearning modules across a range of specialties. Through practical, real-world examples, it supports staff to embed sustainable practices that improve patient outcomes while reducing environmental impacts.
Background
The programme was originally developed with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and the HEE Northeast Faculty of Sustainable Healthcare to support the healthcare workforce in building sustainability into everyday practice.
The first modules included:
- Building a Net Zero NHS
- Environmental Sustainability in Quality Improvement
These sessions are suitable for all members of the NHS healthcare workforce. An additional discipline-specific module, Environmental Sustainability in Dentistry, was also created for dental care professionals and support staff in primary and secondary care.
New modules (launched Summer 2025)
Sustainable Endoscopy
Developed by CSH in partnership with NHS England e-Learning for Healthcare, Greener NHS, the British Society of Gastroenterology, and multidisciplinary endoscopy teams.
This case-based session:
- Prepares endoscopy teams to implement changes in practice to reduce financial, social and environmental costs whilst improving patient outcomes. It is intended for anyone working in endoscopy services.
- Is aimed at anyone working in endoscopy services.
- Focus on improving patient outcomes through more sustainable practice.
This module was funded by King’s College Hospital as part of the Green Endoscopy Fellowship grant, with additional support from NHS England e-Learning for Healthcare (eLfH).
Green Operating Theatres
With funding and support from the Health Foundation and UK Health Alliance on Climate Change the module was developed by CSH, NHS England e-Learning for Healthcare, Greener NHS, and a multidisciplinary team of theatre staff.
This case-based session:
- Draws heavily on the Green Surgery Report, which highlighted the need for workforce training.
- Prepares and supports surgical staff to implement practice changes that reduce environmental, financial and social impacts.
- Emphasis on improved outcomes alongside sustainability.
Access the programmes
These short, practical courses are free to access and suitable for a wide range of healthcare professionals.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to our SusQI Education Fellow, Dr Ayoma Ratnapulli, whose insight and leadership helped shape these new resources.
Opportunities to collaborate
If you are interested in partnering with CSH to develop a new environmentally sustainable healthcare eLearning session for your specialty or discipline, please contact Stefi Barna, CSH Education Programmes Advisor
For further training, CSH offers a wide range of professional courses through our education programme. Whether for individual learning or organisation-wide training, our courses provide the knowledge, confidence and tools to embed sustainability into healthcare practice.