In order to protect the future of hospice care and other health services, St Barnabas are aware that it is beneficial to consider the organisation’s environmental impact and how this can potentially be reduced.
As part of the Hospice’s Organisational Strategy, newly launched in 2024, one of the strategic priorities for St Barnabas is to remain sustainable and resilient for the people we care for, including that of environmental sustainability.
In line with this, St Barnabas now operate an Environmental Sustainability Group, encouraging staff across the organisation to meet bi-monthly and discuss progress towards meeting the above priority.
The group comprises of a wide range of staff from varying departments, including two Executives, St.John and Georgina, and Speciality Doctor, Carina, who is based at the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Lincoln.
St.John says: “Sustainability is crucial to St Barnabas as it aligns with our core values of care, compassion, and community responsibility.
“By adopting sustainable practices, we not only ensure a healthier environment for our patients, staff, and the wider community but also secure the long-term viability and efficiency of our services. This is in line with our strategic priority to remain sustainable and resilient for the people we care for.”
Georgina comments on the purpose of the group: “The Environmental Sustainability group is developing a strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of the Hospice and promote sustainability.
“The group hopes to achieve this by providing education and awareness through local campaigns and projects. This will include promotion of health and wellbeing initiatives, considering our use of resources, how we manage waste and how we deliver sustainable infrastructures.”
On Monday 8th July, St Barnabas Hospice supported Sustainability Day of Action and shared 7 simple ways to go green at work, with their staff!
- Switch lights off when leaving a room
- Turn radiator thermostat down if room is hot
- Separate waste and recycle responsibly
- Commute by foot, cycle or car-share where possible
- Use a reusable water bottle or coffee cup
- Share documents digitally and think before you print
- Host hybrid meetings and avoid long journeys
Although they may not all, always be possible or relevant to every staff member, volunteer, stakeholder or supporter, it is beneficial to keep these tips in mind.