Introduction
We understand that many people have reservations about a topic on climate, green tags etc. It’s important to approach this with an open mind. As Primary Care tries to secure its future and models of practice, it’s not obvious which approach would help raise our profile in the community. However, latest surveys suggest that sustaining community resilience and supporting staff wellbeing are a top priority in the minds on the changing workforce demographics. See our article that explains workplace culture: a recipe for success.
Exploring Healthcare’s Impact:
I had the privilege of conversing with Emily O’Reilly, a dedicated advocate and Primary Care Climate Resilience Project Officer (North and East Cornwall ICA). She works for Greener Practice with Volunteer Cornwall, a charity organisation that’s orchestrating a paradigm shift in how the primary care sector approaches climate and ecological issues. Emily and her team have been instrumental in bridging the gap between health and sustainability approaches to the climate crisis, igniting conversations that are not just relevant but crucial for the wellbeing of GP practices and individuals alike.
From Awareness to Action:
As Emily emphasised, healthcare isn’t immune to the repercussions of our planet’s changing climate. More tangible is the impact of pollution and waste. The connections between our environment and human health are intricate and undeniable. From exacerbating respiratory diseases due to air pollution to impacting mental health due to natural disasters, the implications are vast. Greener Practice as part of Volunteer Cornwall is pioneering initiatives that educate primary care practices about these intricate linkages, fostering a collective understanding that empowers them to become agents of change.
Secondary care has been more organised to get the Net Zero Targets but primary care has been left on their own to find their path. That’s where organisations like Greener Practice come in. Emily and her team are positioned to support primary care. They are funded by the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) but their volunteer capacity gives them more access to funding and engagement capacity across Cornwall region.
Empowering Primary Care Providers:
Their role began about a year and half ago. The Primary Care Climate Resilience team had practices called pioneers who had taken the initial steps but now up to 90 % of practices in Cornwall have engaged. Through workshops, educational materials, and collaborative platforms (Trello ) , they’re equipping practices with the tools they need to integrate climate-conscious practices into their work. Like the garden project by Rame Group Practice. See project details here. This isn’t just about mitigating harm; it’s about positioning primary care as a driver of positive change, cost savings and improvement in wellbeing of individuals and organisations.
Small Steps, Monumental Impact:
Emily’s background in international relations spurs her enthusiasm for connecting with people while bringing climate care knowledge into the primary care focus. Some practices have already embraced this transformative mindset. From adopting energy-efficient practices in their facilities to promoting active transportation, innovative waste management and Nature Connects, the ripple effects of these actions extend far beyond the confines of the work place.
Furthermore, a significant challenge that primary care practices have is how to access funding and resources that sit outside their remit as business owners. Although practices are individually or partnership owned they are still NHS service, Emily advices managers and individuals to work with a community group like the Volunteer Cornwall. By creating a local action group practices can also access council funds like the ongoing EV charger grants. If you are looking to expand vehicle options for your staff, this is a good place to start. Also they can support you to get discounted energy audits and developing your energy action plans with significant cost saving for your practice.
Looking Ahead:
Our conversation left me optimistic about the future of primary care’s involvement in environmental conservation. Their efforts serve as a reminder that health and wellbeing are intricately tied to the health and preservation of our planet. With continued collaboration between organisations like Volunteer Cornwall, primary care can co-create a more sustainable and resilient future.
Connect and Learn More:
To learn more about Greener Practice and their groundbreaking work in uniting primary care and environmental conservation, visit their website here. Join the conversation and be part of the movement to safeguard our health and the sustainability of our planet.
Thank you Emily for sharing your network activities here. We look forward to more collaborative work. To get in touch with Emily email : emilyo@volunteercornwall.org.uk
