NHS staff get climate aware

Staff at NHS Tayside have spent the week trying to raise awareness of climate change.

Scotland marked climate week this week, with organisations across the country hosting events to highlight the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate.

Several events were held in hospitals across the region, including information stands on electric bikes and reducing home energy costs, bike checks and information on recycling.

Philip Wide, property environmental and quality manager at the health board, said:“NHS Tayside is fully committed to minimising the impact of its activities on the environment and actively seeks the cooperation of its employees in achieving this goal.

“Participation in climate week is an opportunity to join in celebrating Scotland’s progress towards transitioning to a carbon neutral society.

“We are an organisation with a strong focus on reducing our carbon footprint, improving sustainability and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.”

One example of an area which has a stronger green focus is NHS Tayside’s catering department.

Over the last year, the department has introduced compostable cutlery, reusable cups and a hot drink loyalty scheme for those who use these cup.

They have also asked customers to bring in their own containers to purchase takeaway salads.

David Bayne, NHS Tayside’s retail catering manager, said:“We have carried out extensive engagement to get views on how to shape the service for the future and one of the things customers asked for is more environmentally friendly alternatives.

“Our target is to completely remove single use items by 2020/21.

“As a catering service we want to make greener choices and we thank our customers for their support.”