We are proud to support the Greener Primary Care Wales Initiative at Court Road Surgery and will be reviewing ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint and adopt more environmentally responsible practices.
Reducing our carbon footprint will not only mitigate climate change but will potentially improve patient health, reduce workload and save money. With added pressures on the NHS and the increasing carbon footprint on the planet, it is imperative that we evolve into a more environmentally and sustainable service.
The key priorities are:
- Buildings and Estates
- Carbon Management
- Healthy Behaviours
- Procurement
- Transport and Smart Working
- Waste
- Innovation and Co-Production
One of the key reviews currently taking place is the Green Inhaler Project, and we will be seeking the help of our patients prescribed inhaled medications.
For patients with respiratory and lung diseases, inhalers are a lifeline; enabling you to take control of breathing problems and open up your airways. It may come as a shock to learn that some inhalers have a large carbon footprint. The most commonly used inhaler in the UK, for instance, has a carbon footprint equivalent to 28kg of CO2.
During respiratory annual reviews at the practice our Clinicians will be reviewing alternative inhaler therapies which for many patients will be more effective, easier to use and more environmentally friendly. Please DO NOT STOP using your current therapy before your review because of the carbon footprint. If you have an exacerbation of your condition the additional treatments could greatly increase your carbon footprint!
All medicines should be returned to pharmacies for safe disposal. It is particularly important that used inhalers are returned to pharmacies due to the gases that are contained in the canisters. Incorrect disposal of inhalers has a negative impact on the environment. Inhalers that are discarded into domestic waste will end up in landfill. Even if “empty” they will release global warming gases into the atmosphere. Returning inhalers to pharmacies means they can be disposed of responsibly.
Patient-sheet-inhaler-disposal
