Greening the NHS 2: using the Green Team Competition to effect change

The Green Team Competition is a quality-improvement initiative that helps health professionals consider greener ways of working

Abstract

The climate crisis presents a global health threat, affecting millions of lives. Carbon dioxide emissions from healthcare are substantial, but health professionals can play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis. To encourage greener ways of working, a trust implemented the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare’s Green Team Competition. The five shortlisted teams proposed projects to improve efficiency and sustainability, leading to considerable estimated savings in financial costs and carbon emissions. This is the second article in a series on what nurses can do to address the climate crisis.

Citation: Hayes A (2023) Greening the NHS 2: using the Green Team Competition to effect change. Nursing Times [online]; 119: 8.

Author: Angela Hayes is clinical nurse specialist in supportive and palliative care, the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. She has led on clinical sustainability projects at the trust.