References

Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18:(9) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790

NHS. Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service. 2022. https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/publication/delivering-a-net-zero-national-health-service (accessed 28 February 2024)

A greener NHS

02 March 2024
Volume 6 · Issue 3

A new survey conducted by conservation charity the Woodland Trust has revealed 96% of GPs questioned want the government to take action to combat health threats from climate change and extreme weather. They say policymakers must prioritise the environment to improve the health of the nation and ease pressure on the NHS. Around 70% also believe they should be able to prescribe time out in nature to ensure the health of future generations.

In terms of climate change and sustainability targets for the health service, the NHS has outlined two ‘clear and feasible’ targets in its Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service report (NHS, 2022):

The Greener NHS National Programme was established to deliver the changes it says are needed while delivering against ‘broader environmental health priorities’. It adds that, since the publication of the strategy, the NHS has made progress on its work, including performing the world's first net zero delivery and surgery, launching the first zero emission ambulance, embedding the response to climate change into the governance and strategy of every Trust and investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Journal of Prescribing Practice and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for prescribing professionals. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to our clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month