Did you know? If the global healthcare sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter on the planet.

We are working towards the Green Impact For Health Award to show our commitment to developing a more sustainable healthcare system, and play our part in the NHS plan to reach carbon net zero by 2040.

Things you might have noticed –

• We have been writing you fewer letters, and sending you more text messages or emails.
• We have been moving towards more sustainable prescribing of inhalers. This includes using Dry Powder Inhalers where appropriate and helping you manage your asthma so you are less reliant on the blue reliever inhalers.
• We have new team members helping you to stay well and active in the community, bringing services closer to you and providing advice self care advice and resources on our new website.
• We have been encouraging patients to use online forms, rather than paper based forms.

Things you can do to help –

• Dispose of your used inhalers responsibly – this means returning them to a pharmacy, not putting them into your household waste.
• Talk to us at your next asthma review about whether you would be suited to a Dry Powder Inhaler.
• Walk or cycle to the surgery for your appointments where possible.
• Help us to reduce our paper consumption by using online services where you can.

If you have other ideas about what we can do as a Practice to be more sustainable we would love to hear them – please let us know.