This week the Isle of Wight NHS Trust launches its ambitious response to the challenge of climate change with a new three-year sustainable development plan.
The Green Plan sets out a clear framework for what the Trust is doing to reduce its impact on climate change and pollution, minimise its reliance on unsustainable services and medicines, as well as its future plans to embrace green learning and innovation.
Richter: Committed to meeting our net zero target by 2045
Sustainability Lead for the Trust, Kayleigh Richter, said,
“Climate change poses a major threat to our health as well as to our planet. As an NHS Trust based on the Isle of Wight with its distinct local identity and a wide variety of natural, rural and urban landscapes, we are well-placed to work with our partners across the Island to lead the way in improving our environment.
“We are aware of the important role we need to play in helping to reduce emissions and improve sustainability impact overall. Our focus is on embracing digital transformation including exciting projects like the introduction of drones, reviewing our transport services to support the use of greener technology and increasing our energy, water and waste efficiency.
“The next steps are to turn our strategy into a clear action plan and recruit and train a team of green champions to support us to implement new projects, encourage new ideas, and reinforce positive sustainable behaviours. As a Trust we’ve got a lot to do, but we are committed to reducing our impact and meeting our net zero target by 2045.”
Turner: We understand that climate change and human health are inextricably linked
Interim chief executive, Nikki Turner, added,
“At the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, we understand that climate change and human health are inextricably linked and that we have a duty to reduce our impact wherever possible, and to ensure that we can continue to provide quality care for future generations.
“The Isle of Wight is a dedicated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and we understand the importance of this designation and are prepared to contribute and uphold the values that are aligned with this prestigious honour to ensure that the Isle of Wight continues to lead the way in sustainable development and innovation.”
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
