Friday 16 September 2016

NHS heals its spend by £5m through sustainability

NHS heals its spend by £5m through sustainability

The NHS has saved millions of pounds as a result of implementing energy efficiency and sustainable measures.

A new report released by the NHS Sustainability Day campaign highlights both financial and carbon savings achieved through initiatives such waste management and using low carbon vehicles.

One of the key projects is Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust implementing electric vehicles and saving between £16,000 and £20,000.

Derbyshire Community Health Services also saw savings of more than £218,00 a year through energy efficiency initiatives used for frontline patient services.

Total savings over a 12-18 month period reached £5.5 million, with carbon emissions reduced by 350,000 tonnes.

However real savings are expected to be far higher as not all hospitals reported to the campaign.

Scott Buckler, NHS Sustainability Day Campaign Manager, said: "There has never been a more important time for the NHS to ensure a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable future. The huge financial challenge the NHS is currently facing requires new forms of thought leadership and innovation.

“This year's report provides an overview to what the NHS can achieve through the implementation of sustainable development. Much of the savings highlighted in the report are being utilised on frontline services. This is clear evidence that the government should and must be investing in a low carbon NHS fit for the future!"

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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