NHS Sustainability Network Meeting - 8 Sept

Short summary of the NHS Sustainablility Network meeting, held on 8 Septemeber in Exeter - presentations are attached as resources. If you would like more details about the Network and information on upcoming meetings, please contact Lynn Gibbons on lynn.gibbons@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk

Pre-meeting workshop on carbon calculations:
Lead by Katie Hughes from Groundwork South West, this presentation covered the basics of carbon calculations and measurements, including scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, the importance of data collection and defra conversion factors, particularly in relation to the CRC.

Travel plans: Regional examples and experiences:

North Somerset PCT - Alastair Byers from Transport & Travel Research Ltd explained their work in helping North Somerset PCT to develop a travel plan to reduce the reliance on single occupancy (car) vehicle travel and promote greener cleaner travel choices.  The plan had a strong focus on the health and well-being of staff, and consisted of a series of quick wins that were easy to achieve as well as longer term targets. Alastair emphasised the importance of staff involvement and buy-in to encourage change and the process of developing a plan that was relevant to the Trust’s needs. The Travel Plan – “Travel Greener” - was launched in July 2009 and includes: the introduction of a car sharing website, concessions and discounts on bikes and cycling equipment, provision of cycling equipment – pool bikes (folding bikes) and bike training is offered to staff. Yele Abisogun from North Somerset PCT was on hand to answer questions regarding feedback and monitoring of the scheme, which is still in progress. 

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership - Jess Whiting presented the Bristol Vocational Service ‘zero petrol’ team, which was developed as part of the wider AWP plan. She highlighted the use of electric bicycles and an electric car, as well as personal cycle use for this ‘high mileage’ team based in central Bristol. The team have reported a cash savings in travel expenses, and have positive feedback for both the electric bicycles and electric car. There was also an increase in general fitness of the team, which helps them to set a good example to the service users they visit on a daily basis. 

Torbay Care Trust - Collette Germon shared the Trust’s new Staff Travel Subsistence Claim Form, which includes carbon footprint info. This is currently available as a resource on this website.

There was general discussion about travel plans and incentives to reduce car use, particularly by staff (for both commuting and business mileage), as well as issues surrounding car parking provision and the use of car parking charges to offset transport for those on lower incomes or with specific transport needs.  

Introduction to Sustainable Health SW website:
Jon Brace & Nick Forsberg from Sandbox Media, Bristol, introduced the Sustainable Health SW website. The site is live and publicly accessible, but the forum option is only available to NHS staff. Jon went through the key elements and basic construction of the site. These include – ‘key areas’ that mirror the ten topics covered in the NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy and the four ‘actions’ listed in the Strategy, the sustainability section linking health with wider issues such as climate change and information on regional projects (including NHS Forest). He explained the resource library, news and events section, which also includes an event report page for feedback and information from events.