Newcastle first NHS trust to declare climate emergency

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is joining an international movement to declare a climate emergency, becoming the first NHS trust in the UK to do so.

The declaration, made on 27 June, demonstrates a clear and positive commitment to take action on climate change by aiming to become carbon neutral by 2040. It follows in the footsteps of Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University who have recently made similar commitments.

The declaration builds on the development of award-winning, environmentally sustainable approaches taken by the trust over several years, which includes buying electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources when the hospital needs to top up its on-site energy production and recycling over 40 per cent of non-clinical waste, offering discounts for reusing cups and food containers in the estate’s restaurants and cafes.

Dame Jackie Daniel, chief executive of the trust, said: “Newcastle Hospitals already has an outstanding reputation for leading on efforts to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare delivery. From being one of the first trusts to install efficient on-site combined heat and power energy centres at the turn of the century, to being the first trust in Europe to implement reusable sharps boxes 15 years ago, we are leading the way nationally and indeed internationally, to ensure the delivery of truly sustainable healthcare.

“The trust prides itself upon a forward thinking ethos which helps to embed sustainability into everything it does, and helps to play a key role in fighting climate change through how it operates. Our declaration of a climate emergency shows our continued commitment to work with our city council and other partners on this vast challenge, and we very much hope others will join us.”