Ten ways to implement sustainable greener healthcare in primary care respiratory practice
This article outlines 10 strategies, divided into top wins and longer-term aspirations, which can be used to create a greener healthcare environment.
As healthcare professionals, we face the dual challenge of providing high-quality care while also minimising our environmental footprint. Primary care practices, particularly in respiratory care, have a unique opportunity to implement sustainable practices that not only benefit patients but also reduce the impact on our planet.
This article outlines 10 strategies, divided into top wins and other things to consider, which can be used to create a greener healthcare environment.
Split into a short summary piece, as well as a more detailed article which provides case studies, signposting and further information, we hope this resource will provide the reader with the knowledge required to drive and implement long term greener respiratory healthcare in their primary care practice.
“Blanket” switching of inhaler types: Why is this a bad idea?
The NHS is under increased financial and environmental pressures. Blanket switching of medications (changing medication from one to another without patient consultation) to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly options is therefore becoming more common. Is this right for the patient? The short answer is, no. This document will support primary care respiratory leaders understand and challenge these decisions, whilst also promoting greener respiratory healthcare to align with NHS targets.
Greener Respiratory Healthcare - Calendar of action
Promoting practical action that can help to reduce the environmental impact of respiratory healthcare.Use this calendar to identify practical steps you can take to make your respiratory healthcare greener – either in the short term or the long term. This resource enables you to take a ‘small steps of change’ approach to achieving greener healthcare around a busy practice environment. Take part in the challenge as an individual or with your practice team.
PCRS White Paper for Greener Respiratory Healthcare: A Summary
The Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS) believe that by working together we can achieve more environmentally friendly respiratory healthcare. It has identified six key areas that require action by individual healthcare professionals, as well as commissioners, professional organisations and the pharmaceutical industry.
Lobbying your local MP on environmental issues
This resource provides a blueprint for how to lobby your local MP on greener healthcare issues.
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Inhalation is the main route for administration of drugs for conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The advantage of administering drugs by inhaler is that drugs are delivered directly to the site of action within the airways.
The environment and air quality have a considerable impact on people with respiratory conditions and the symptoms they experience. In turn, respiratory conditions, and the medication which treats them, adds considerably to the NHS carbon footprint. Part of the PCRS Greener Respiratory Healthcare Campaign, this webinar aims to support understanding of this relationship and provide primary care healthcare professionals with the information and practical action they need to improve it.
This video short case study is part of the Greener Respiratory Healthcare campaign.