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The Emergency Department (ED) at Heartlands Hospital is one of only two departments in the country to achieve a prestigious national accreditation.

The ED has been awarded a silver-level accreditation for their efforts in reducing the environmental impact of their department in the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s GreenED programme.

Through close collaboration between ED clinicians and colleagues in sustainability, pharmacy and pathology, the department has delivered a series of initiatives focused on cutting paper waste, reducing unnecessary laboratory and imaging requests, and minimising the use of non-beneficial products.

GreenED sets out evidence-based actions across bronze, silver and gold levels to help Emergency Departments embed environmentally sustainable practices. Heartlands Hospital’s ED is one of only two in the country to have achieved the prestigious silver-level accreditation.

Emergency Medicine Consultant, Dr Susan Dorrian said: “To be one of only two Emergency Departments in the country to achieve silver accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of our whole team and the colleagues we have worked with across the hospital.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award and of the role we are playing in delivering more sustainable emergency care for a greener future.”

Kawun Williams, Head of Sustainability, said: “Congratulations to the team on achieving silver accreditation through the GreenED initiative. This recognition reflects our commitment to embedding environmentally responsible practices within a demanding clinical environment.

“This work is delivering real positive benefits for the hospital while supporting a more sustainable environment for patients and staff.”

Key actions that supported the silver accreditation included:

·         A series of linked projects reducing unnecessary laboratory and imaging tests

·         Sharing best practice to cut the use of non-beneficial products, such as blue tissue roll used to cover couches and trolleys

·         Strong multi-disciplinary collaboration with wider hospital departments to embed sustainable change

Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “On behalf of the College – a massive congratulations to the team at Heartlands Hospital who have been awarded a silver accreditation through our GreenED programme.

“This accomplishment has been driven by a dedicated, innovative team, who have reduced emissions, as well as waste, and saved costs – all to tackle the climate crisis.

“A healthier planet means healthier patients, and we have a duty to act to protect both. As a college, we are proud to support Emergency Departments across the UK, and beyond, in playing their part to become more environmentally friendly.”