Sustainable Health And Care Awards Launched By NHS Employers And Sustainable Development Unit
A new awards programme for NHS, public health and social care organisations was launched on Wednesday 18 April, supported by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and Public Health England.
The Sustainable Health and Care Awards will highlight and celebrate the outstanding sustainable practices taking place which are making real benefits for health and the environment such as cutting carbon, air pollution and promoting green space.
There are a total of 12 awards, ranging from water and energy, building design efficiency, successful staff engagement, and carbon reduction.
The awards are based on the 10 themes of the Sustainable Development Unit’s Sustainable Development Assessment Tool which are closely aligned to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, as well as also two awards to celebrate and recognise inspirational individuals.
The awards are free to enter and are open for entry by any public sector health and care organisations in England. The closing date for entries, which need to be submitted on the Sustainable Health and Care website, is 20 July 2018.
The awards ceremony will take place following the Sustainable Health and Care conference and exhibition in November 2018.
All organisations who are shortlisted for an award will receive two complimentary places to the awards dinner and ceremony, as well as access to the conference and exhibition.
Submissions will be assessed by the level of impact on four areas: governance and policy, corporate impact, procurement and supply chain, and working with staff, patients, and communities. The submissions will be assessed by a panel of judges from across the health, environment and private sectors.
Health Minister Stephen Barclay said: “The NHS is a world-leading organisation in many areas and I am keen to ensure that sustainability is one of them. Given the NHS employs 1.5 million people, it has the potential to play a leading role in contributing to a sustainable future.
“That is why I’m delighted to support the Sustainable Health and Care Awards, celebrating the trusts and care providers which are not only delivering excellent services but innovating ways to cut carbon, waste and pollution. In its 70th year, these pioneers are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable NHS for future generations.”
Jerome Baddley, acting director of NHS England’s Sustainable Development Unit, said: “The Sustainable Health and Care campaign is not just for the NHS. It’s for the entire health and care system.
“We want to encourage, support and celebrate action from local authorities and social care providers so the system can come together and further reduce its impact on the environment and deliver benefits for patients, staff and communities.”
Danny Mortimer, the chief executive of NHS Employers, said: “We want the NHS to thrive for another 70 years, and in order for that to happen, sustainability is more important than ever.
“These awards are a great opportunity for organisations to be recognised for all the hard work they do towards creating a greener, more sustainable health and care system.”
