NHS green initiative ‘a step in the right direction’ says SAM past president

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens has announced the NHS and its staff will step up action to tackle the climate “health emergency” this year with the aim of helping to prevent illness, reduce pressure on A&E departments and save lives.

The initiative follows the launch of the Climate Assembly UK last week, which will discuss how the country can best get to ‘net zero’.

Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past President of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “We have all seen the results of extremes of hot and cold weather impacting on the frontline of the NHS with people suffering from illness requiring hospitalisation more frequently during these extremes.

“Coupled with the figures confirming the impact of pollution and poor air quality it is time for the NHS and its staff to play their part whenever possible.

“This initiative is a step in the right direction and I look forward to working with colleagues in doing what we can to help.”