NHS Confederation: NHS managers are climate aware

The majority of NHS managers are developing plans to reduce carbon emissions in the health service, the NHS Confederation has said.

A poll for the confederation, which represents over 95 per cent of all NHS organisations, found that 60 per cent of NHS managers are developing such climate plans.

The findings are released as doctors and the government highlight the role the NHS can play in highlighting and addressing global warming.

Over half of trust (55 per cent) said they were confident that they could reduce energy consumption and 43 per cent thought they were likely to increase the energy efficiency of their estates.

NHS Confederation chief executive Dame Gill Morgan said: "As one of the biggest employers in the UK and the biggest public service, our members understand their responsibility to address climate change, reduce the NHS' carbon foot-print and promote positive changes in attitude among its 1.3 million staff.

"There are some great innovations happening already in the service, but to make rapid progress the NHS will need clear leadership from the government and Department of Health to prioritise climate change."

She added: "For example, we would welcome an extension of the energy fund, which would make it easier to use alternative sources of energy, which have high up-front costs.

"While there is lots of support and guidance the NHS can draw on, one clear national climate change strategy for the NHS would be another step in the right direction."