Staff, patients, and visitors are invited to learn more about eco-friendly habits and behaviours at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s upcoming sustainability event.

Taking place on World Environment Day (5 June), the event will showcase various initiatives and local projects to reduce carbon emissions and prevent climate change, while protecting the planet for future generations.

The annual campaign, led by United Nations Environment Programme, has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issues which includes those that occur as a direct result of healthcare delivery.

In October 2020, the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero, and since then Walsall NHS staff and volunteers have made positive changes – from reducing single-use plastic to an increase in recycling.

Janet Smith, Head of Sustainability for Walsall Healthcare (pictured), said: “We, like all other NHS trusts, have an obligation to operate in a way that impacts the communities we serve in a positive manner.

“Walsall is comprised of fantastic people who are committed to exceptional service, so we just need to harness that dedication and ensure sustainability is also embedded into all our processes.

“It means looking at the way we deliver care while also encouraging smaller, simple changes staff can make, both in and out of the workplace.”

Bill Ellens, Trust Volunteer, has supported the Trust to host the event.

He said: “Days like this are important to show how community groups and volunteers can work together to support sustainability and to understand the environmental issues faced by the NHS and the people it serves.

“It highlights the effects of climate change on our health, and gives hope that there may be solutions to these problems.”

Set up in the atrium at Walsall Manor Hospital, 11am-3pm, visitors will be able to speak to:

• Walsall Friends of the Earth – a network and charity that is passionate about tackling the climate and ecological crises and fighting for a fairer, greener world for everyone. Members are actively involved in helping to protect green spaces across the borough
• Bumblebee Conservation Trust – a membership charity that addresses concerns about the future of wild bumblebees. Its work is informed through evaluation of scientific research and best practice
• Ryecroft Community Hub – a hub made up of several charities, social businesses and user groups that all work hard to provide the local community with services and support. This includes opening up conversations about the environment 

Visitors can also find out more about sustainable travel offers which include travel discounts encouraging people to switch to public transport and cut down on car-related carbon emissions.

Staff will also be able to speak with Janet and her team to seek support with their own ‘green’ ideas.