The Centre For Sustainable Healthcare And The Queen's Nursing Institute Joint Nursing and Midwifery Sustainability Manifesto
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare in collaboration with the Queen's Nursing Institute are proud to announce the launch of our joint Nursing and Midwifery Sustainability Manifesto. This comprehensive document outlines our collective vision for a climate resilient, sustainable, equitable and patient centred healthcare system, and we urge the incoming government to prioritise these essential changes and put sustainability at the heart of the NHS.
Nurses and midwives represent the largest group of professionals within the health and social care workforce They are a powerful force in the fight to slow down the health crisis that is being fuelled by climate change. Mobilising this workforce to practise sustainable healthcare and adopt carbon-reducing actions will support the NHS in reaching its net zero targets.
As nurses and midwives, we stand at the forefront of health and social care, witnessing firsthand the impacts of environmental degradation and social injustice on the health and well-being of the individuals, carers, families and communities we serve. In light of this, we hereby declare our commitment to a Nursing and Midwifery Sustainability Manifesto, urging policymakers to prioritise the following initiatives in the upcoming UK General Election and beyond.
The Nursing And Midwifery Sustainability Manifesto
Investment in Sustainable Health and Social care Infrastructure
We call for increased funding towards building and maintaining health and social care facilities that are energy-efficient, utilise renewable resources, and promote sustainable practices such as waste reduction and recycling.
Promotion of Eco-friendly Practices
We advocate for the integration of eco-friendly practices in health and social care settings, including the use of non-toxic materials, energy-efficient equipment, and sustainable transportation options for staff, and the individuals, carers, families and communities we serve.
Support for Green Healthcare Technologies
We urge the government to invest in research and development of green healthcare technologies, such as renewable energy-powered medical devices, telemedicine solutions to reduce travel-related emissions, and digital health records to minimise paper waste.
Dedicated Education and Training on Environmental Health and Sustainability
We call for the inclusion of comprehensive education and training on environmental health and sustainability in pre and post registration nursing and midwifery curricula, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills to address environmental determinants of health, advocate for sustainable healthcare practices, and effectively integrate sustainability principles into their clinical practice.
Advocacy for Climate Justice, Health Equity, and Addressing Health Inequalities
We stand in solidarity with communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, climate change, and health inequalities. We will work to support policies that prioritise health equity, tackle social determinants of health, and ensure fair access to healthcare services for all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
We pledge to collaborate with government agencies, healthcare institutions, community organisations, the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI), the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, the Infection Prevention Society, and other stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable healthcare policies and practices that specifically address the needs of marginalized communities.
Protection of Natural Resources and Biodiversity
We advocate for policies that protect natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on public health.
Integration of Sustainability into Nursing and Midwifery Practice
We commit to integrating sustainability principles into our daily nursing and midwifery practice, promoting resource conservation, pollution prevention, and eco-friendly initiatives, while also addressing health inequalities.
Advancement of Sustainable Procurement Practices
We call for the adoption of sustainable procurement practices in healthcare supply chains, prioritising environmentally friendly products and supporting ethical suppliers.
Monitoring and Evaluation of Progress
We urge for the establishment of mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the progress of sustainability initiatives across all health and social care settings ensuring accountability and continuous improvement and a focus on health inequalities.
In conclusion, we believe that by prioritising sustainability in health and social care, we can create a healthier and more equitable future for all. We call on policymakers to heed our manifesto and take bold action towards building a sustainable healthcare system that serves the needs of both present and future generations while also addressing health inequalities through dedicated education and training. The Centre For Sustainable Healthcare and the Queen's Nursing Institute stand together in holding the future government to account for making these positive changes.