Greener NHS

We’re improving healthcare with a Greener NHS

Climate change poses a major threat to NHS staff, patients, and their communities. This is because there is a direct link between the health of our planet and the health of our people. The NHS is acting to reduce the harmful gases it puts into the atmosphere. Fewer emissions will mean fewer patients with asthma, heart disease, and cancer. It will also reduce any disruption to the delivery of the care we provide.

Change has already begun

Since 2010, efforts across the health service have resulted in NHS emissions being cut by 30%. This is already improving care, as well as the health and wellbeing of our patients. Decisions have been made to invest in greener medicines, greener transport, greener buildings, and greener energy consumption.

The challenge ahead

Despite such brilliant progress, there is still more to be done. Together, with the help of staff across the NHS, we hope to achieve even more. With more people involved, we stand every chance of meeting our target of becoming a net zero health service by 2040. We were the first health service in the world to make the commitment and intend to be the first to reach that status.

Our Greener NHS Plan

As health and the environment are inextricably linked, climate action is not about sacrificing the quality of our patient care. Instead, it is about building new norms and establishing a green thread throughout our activity.

Our Lincolnshire System Greener NHS Plan outlines how we will reduce our environmental impact whilst improving health outcomes across Lincolnshire. The system is best-placed to achieve this, as the wellbeing of the populations that we serve is tied to the existence of our anchor organisations. This plan can achieve this twofold task, as many of the actions needed to reduce our carbon footprint have additional benefits for health.

Discover how you can help

Everyone can do their bit. No matter how small. The more of us who introduce small actions into our everyday routines, the more we can lessen our impact on the environment, and the more we can improve health.

The Greener NHS programme hopes to deliver long-term positive change for the planet and the health of its people. Be part of that legacy. Find out more and show your support today by visiting england.nhs.uk/greenernhs

Case study: Gosberton Medical Centre – a model for sustainable healthcare

Introduction

In Lincolnshire, Gosberton Medical Centre is quietly transforming what sustainability means in general practice. Long before national targets were introduced, the team had already begun making changes—switching to LED lighting, reducing waste, and embedding green principles into patient care. For Dr Lucy Rushworth and her colleagues, sustainability is about building a healthier community, one prescription, one lightbulb, and one garden at a time.

Greener Practice: Small Steps, Big Impact

Visitors to the practice notice subtle but meaningful changes: no plastic cups, motion-sensitive LED lights, digital communication, and a peaceful outdoor space. Tools like AccuRx Plus and Welby Innovate support efficient, low-paper care, while even tea breaks reflect their ethos—Fair Trade coffee and a dishwasher that runs only when full.

Sustainability extends to prescribing. After training on inhaler carbon footprints, clinicians now prescribe with environmental impact in mind. They’ve also reduced unnecessary medications, especially opioids and antibiotics, improving patient outcomes and lowering NHS costs.

Beyond the Clinic: Community Health

Gosberton’s therapeutic garden supports patients with learning disabilities and mental health challenges, offering purpose and connection. Some participants have even reduced antidepressant use thanks to the garden’s benefits.

Social prescribing is central to their approach—bereavement groups, chronic pain workshops, yoga, hydrotherapy, and health walks are all part of the offering. Voluntary transport ensures rural patients can join in. These efforts have led to fewer opioid prescriptions, better asthma control, and improved mental wellbeing.

Caring for Staff and the Planet

Staff wellbeing is integral: yoga, resilience training, and outdoor breaks help maintain morale. Cycling, carpooling, and low-emission vehicles are encouraged. The practice also collaborates across its PCN, sharing resources like a FeNO machine and offering sustainability-focused training.

A Blueprint for Change

Gosberton Medical Centre proves that sustainability in healthcare is about consistent, thoughtful choices. Whether prescribing seeds instead of pills or supporting walking groups over painkillers, they’re helping build a healthier, lower-carbon community.

Key Takeaways for Other Practices

• Small changes matter: LED lights, paper reduction, and mindful prescribing add up.
• Social prescribing works: Community projects improve health and reduce reliance on high-carbon interventions.
• Support your team: Engaged staff drive sustainable change.
• Collaborate: Share ideas and resources across PCNs to amplify impact.