Dorset general practice surgeries going greener to boost health and cut emissions

General practice surgeries across the county are stepping up their efforts to go green. They are making eco-friendly changes that support the environment, reduce costs, and promote better health for their communities.

Backed by the Dorset General Practice Alliance, the initiative aligns with the NHS’s ambitious goal to become the world’s first carbon net-zero healthcare system by 2040. The changes being made range from practical building upgrades to staff-led eco-initiatives, all supported by the Dorset Green Guide developed by the Alliance.

The guide, launched last October, offers surgeries simple, cost-effective ways to reduce their carbon footprint, from improving insulation to switching to LED lighting.

“We were already taking steps to become more sustainable, but we are now making it a real priority for our practice and staff,” said Stephen Middleton, Managing Partner at Shore Medical Group Practice.

“The changes we are planning are simple and affordable, such as switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, and sealing window gaps. We are sharing our learning with staff and other surgeries to help them make these changes too.”

Shore Medical has teamed up with Ridgewater Energy to increase energy efficiency across its sites, showing how partnerships can make green goals more achievable.

Dr Simone Yule, GP in North Dorset and Deputy Chair of Dorset General Practice Alliance, said, “It’s great to see practices across Dorset taking action. The goal is to support all local surgeries to join the movement and help create a cleaner, healthier future. Small steps make a big impact, and we hope even more surgeries will get involved.”

Volunteers at The Adam Practice in Hamworthy after a days work on the community garden project

At The Adam Practice, which serves communities across Upton, Hamworthy, and Poole, an energy audit conducted by Green Wing Energy Solutions has kickstarted a new phase of action. Their changes include:

• Switching to LED lights with motion sensors to cut waste.

• Adjusting air conditioning settings to use less energy.

• Reviewing life expectancy of equipment and replacing with more efficient models

• Planning solar panels and heat pumps for future savings.

• Engaging staff and patients with green initiatives, including recycling pens, bottle tops, and using environmentally sustainable cleaning products.

“Sustainability is now embedded in our everyday operations,” said Fiona Witt, Estates and Facilities Manager at The Adam Practice.  “Not only are we helping the environment, but we’re also making financial savings. This is money that can be reinvested directly into patient care.”

The urgency of this work is supported by alarming health data. The World Health Organization has declared climate change a global health emergency, while Public Health England has identified air pollution as the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK, contributing to up to 36,000 deaths a year.

By tackling emissions and energy use at the local level, Dorset’s general practice surgeries are playing an important role in the future health of our communities and our planet.

The public are being encouraged to play their part too:

• Only order medicines you need on repeat prescriptions

• Return unused medicines to your pharmacy for safe disposal

• Walk or cycle to your appointment if you can

• Bring your own water bottle and cut down on plastic waste

The Cranborne Practice

A picnic table, purchased using generous donations received during the COVID pandemic, has also been installed for patients and staff to use.

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Some practices are looking for volunteers to help with their green community projects, such as The Cranborne Practice who have started developing the new Community Garden at their Lake Road Surgery site. They have been transforming an area behind the surgery into a peaceful retreat for patients and staff.

With the assistance of The Cranborne Practice Patient Participation Group, the Practice reached out with a request for further support this week. Donations of gardening materials, services, plants and, of course, the help of green-fingered volunteer gardeners will contribute directly to the growth and sustainability of a community space where patients and staff can rest, relax, reflect and remember.

Find out more about the Lake Road Community Garden on the Community SWITCH website here https://communityswitch.org/communitygarden/

For more details about the Alliance Dorset Green Guide for practices, visit www.dorsetgpalliance.co.uk/greener.