Climate change and the NHS
Monday, 07 Apr 2008 12:39
Doctors 'must alert people to the health effects of climate change'
Should doctors play a role in addressing climate change and promoting environmentally-friendly actions?
The issue has been touched on by doctors groups and the government and new advice from the Department of Health says health workers throughout the country should play a part in tackling the health effects of climate change.
Its guidance follows a report published by the department and the Health Protection Agency which warned that if climate change continues then serious heatwaves, malaria outbreaks and an increase in skin cancer are more likely.
Guidance issued by the Department of Health says NHS workers should reduce their carbon footprint and encourage others to do so.
They should also raise awareness of climate change and the health effects, the department says.
NHS buildings must also address climate change, with new buildings encouraged to be designed to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
"Climate change is a real threat and we must do everything we can to reduce its effects - for example by reducing our carbon footprint - but we must also learn how to adapt to it," said public health minister Dawn Primarolo.
"Health professionals are key to communicating the health risks of climate change and I would urge them to play their part."
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.
