Nurses can help make health care more sustainable

The Royal College of Nursing has published a statement of how it intends to help tackle the climate change crisis, stressing that nurses have a key role to play.

The college  stresses the negative consequences of global warming on people’s health and says these will be catastrophic if urgent action isn’t taken. As such, it says that nurses have a duty to protect and promote public health in the face of threats posed by climate change but that the health care sector, as a major contributor to global warming, must also play its part.

Over the next six months the RCN will consult with members and stakeholders to develop a climate change strategy. It is likely to focus on several approaches, including identifying and sharing practical ways in which members can develop sustainable initiatives in their workplaces and lobbying for more sustainable procurement of items used by nurses to deliver care.

Rose Gallagher, RCN Professional Lead for Sustainability, said: “As the largest profession delivering health care, nursing is uniquely placed to advocate, educate and lead action to mitigate the risks associated with global temperature increases. RCN members recognise the importance of health care providers acting on climate change now for the benefit of patients and population health. As a profession we can influence in driving changes to help us practice, work and live in more sustainable ways.”