The climate emergency is also a health emergency and unbated it will disrupt care and affect patients at every stage of their lives with poor environmental health contributing to numerous health conditions.
In response to this threat, in October 2020 the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero. While the targets are ambitious, they remain realistic and achievable. In order to deliver them we need both immediate action and a longer-term commitment to continuous monitoring, evaluation and innovation.
Health Innovation East is dedicated to supporting the NHS achieve its goal to ensure a healthier, safer future for everyone.
Health Innovation East is committed to supporting the response to the health and environment emergency that climate change brings and the drive for a Net Zero NHS as set out in the ‘Delivering a Net Zero’ report published in October 2020.
As a partner working with all parts of the health and care sector, and as the innovation arm of the NHS we are committed to the net zero journey and are taking initial steps to map our sphere of influence so that we can make meaningful and measurable contributions in this collective challenge. As an organisation we have an agreed carbon reduction plan in place.
Achieving net zero depends on innovation and collaboration. The Health Innovation Network acts as a pillar in the development and uptake of technologies and best practices designed to reduce emissions in healthcare.
Health Innovation East can support organisations to understand the procurement roadmap for suppliers to access the NHS market, including to gain understanding of policy levers, requirements and knowledge of how net zero and sustainability and healthcare improvement are intrinsically linked.
Health Innovation East worked alongside Phase Change Solutions to evaluate the effectiveness of Apollo™ Smart Panels at maintaining an acceptable temperature range in pharmacy fridges in the event of a cold chain breach (e.g. a prolonged power outage).
To test the Apollo™ Smart Panel in a real-world setting, a trial was hosted in three GP surgeries within WGGL Primary Care Network (PCN). Health Innovation East conducted a series of 12 test cycles with two identical fridges (a test fridge and a control fridge) in each of the GP surgeries to simulate a prolonged power outage in a primary care setting. The test fridge was fitted with five Apollo™ Smart Panels whereas the control fridge remained empty. In each test cycle (12 cycles) the fridges were simultaneously switched off for a 24-hour period.
Results show that the test fridges fitted with the five Apollo™ Smart Panels were able to maintain their temperature more effectively than their matched control fridge (without the panels). The fridges equipped with the Apollo™ Smart Panels took an average of seven hours longer than the control fridge (in the bottom shelf) to breach a threshold of 8°C.
Health Innovation East have established a strategic partnership with Eco Sourcing Hub LTD to support innovators in implementing effective strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of climate change.
Eco Sourcing Hub LTD is a sustainability and procurement agency with an extensive background in supply chain management across a diverse range of industries. Working closely with new product development to support innovators in understanding their carbon emissions and reducing them, they offer effortless carbon calculation services in compliance with ISO 14064-1 and the GHG Protocol, as well as Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs) that fully comply with PPN 06/21. Additionally, they provide full support for Evergreen assessment submission.
Through this partnership, we aim to empower innovators in their ambitions to meet the NHS’s net zero targets in a number of ways:
If you have an innovation that could help the NHS reach its sustainability target please complete our company engagement form.
Context
BSI, or the British Standards Institution, is a global organisation that provides standards, training, and certification services across various industries. BSI is recognised as the UK National Standards Body and as such a leading authority in promoting best practices and helping organisations improve their performance, manage risks, and achieve sustainable growth.
BSI offers sustainability courses to help organisations understand and implement sustainable practices. These courses are important given the increasing global focus on sustainability due to factors like climate change, regulations, competitive advantage, cost savings, and stakeholder expectations.
For individuals, BSI’s sustainability courses provide knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities that can enhance career prospects. For organisations, these courses offer a structured framework for integrating sustainability, facilitating continuous improvement, and building credibility and trust among stakeholders.
Embarking on a sustainability journey is crucial for an organisation’s long-term success and resilience. BSI’s sustainability courses support this journey by providing the necessary tools and best practices to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and achieve sustainable growth.
What is this?
A suite of accredited online and in person courses available to anyone delivered by BSI experts.
Why might you be interested?
Relationship between BSI and Health Innovation East
Courses are run and administered by BSI, Health Innovation East is supporting promotion to the training service on an affiliate basis.
1. PAS 2060 eLearning course
2. Sustainability qualification: ISO 14001 Career Pathway
3. Requirements On-demand eLearning Training Course – ISO 14064-1:2018
4. Modern Slavery, Introduction and Awareness On-demand – BS 25700:2022
5. Fundamentals of social accountability
6. Sustainable Procurement Awareness On-demand Training Course – ISO 20400
7. Quantifying the Carbon Footprint of Products (ISO 14067:2018)
8. ISO 14068: Carbon Neutrality Courses
Do you have a great idea that could deliver meaningful change in the real world?
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