Putting sustainability into practice conference - actions for sustainable health and social care systems

To address the challenges and goals set out in the SDU's Sustainable Development Strategy, the NHS, public health and social care systems in the South of England have established a Sustainability Network. The network is made up of local leads from across the healthcare and public health systems that link local champions, networks, and examples of good practice. 

The Sustainability Network held a conference on October 1st 2014 in Reading, focusing on 'Putting sustainability into practice - actions for sustainable health and social care systems'. This brought together health and social care leaders, healthcare professionals, voluntary organisations and other partners to share ideas about how the South region can begin to address the sustainability challenge. Staff from The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare attended to run a stall and were kept busy sharing the word about CSH's clinical transformation work and the sustainable health benefits of our NHS Forest programme.

The event enabled attendees to learn about innovations in the delivery of a sustainable health and social care system, as well as to share ideas and good practice around co-benefits activities which not only improve the health and wellbeing of individuals but also reduce carbon emissions and offer financial benefits.

The day included several engaging workshops and inspirational speeches, especially from Rob Hopkins of the Transition Network who showed how community development and public health initiatives go hand in hand - including the benefits of community growing areas on NHS land, as featured at many NHS Forest sites. Will Clark, from Capita plc, also enthused the audience with details of how Sussex Community NHS Trust have cut their carbon footprint dramatically.

The South Sustainability Network is growing and developing and keen to involve as many people from across the region in its work. For more details about this new network please contact: Dr Graham Bickler, Centre Director, Kent, Surrey and Sussex Public Health England via Graham.Bickler@phe.gov.uk or Dr Caroline Jessel, Clinical Strategy Lead, Kent and Medway Area Team Lead for Sustainability and Health, South Region NHS England via cjessel@nhs.net