Positively Green

12th November is the annual international Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD). This is the world’s largest climate education and action event of its kind, uniting individuals across the globe to collectively act against climate change.

Every year, we publicise the unblocktober campaign to encourage our staff and patients to learn about the consequences of flushing the wrong things down sinks, toilets and macerators. Last month was no exception!

It’s that time of year again! The Sustainability team has refreshed our Annual Sustainability Report 2025/2026 to incorporate the work completed this year and our plans for the next.

In the past 3 years, UHP has saved over £98,000 through our use of Warp It, meaning that money can instead be funnelled into patient care. Alongside financial savings, Warp It has saved the Trust 38,486kgCO₂e which is roughly equivalent to CO₂ emissions from the consumption of 4,331 gallons of petrol.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life in the NHS. Whether it's drafting emails, summarising documents or helping with research, more and more colleagues are using AI tools as part of their daily work. At University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) alone, more than 575,000 AI interactions were recorded in just 14 days, equivalent to around 15 million interactions a year if usage continues at current levels.

Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding addresses inequalities that stand in the way of all new mothers learning and understanding about the benefits of breastfeeding, including environmental benefits.

The current heatwave has been another clear reminder that climate change is shaping the way we work in the NHS right now. These extreme temperatures aren’t rare spikes anymore, they’re becoming our new normal, and hospitals like ours feel the impact quickly. Older parts of the estate, built for a very different climate, simply can’t keep up. Thick walls trap heat, ventilation struggles, and once a ward or corridor warms up, it stays warm long into the evening. Staff feel it, patients feel it, and services feel it.

Nitrous oxide has been used in hospitals for more than 250 years, but the way we use and supply it is changing. Many people know it as “laughing gas”, but what’s less well known is that it has a much higher environmental impact than other medical gases. Because of this, the NHS is working nationally to modernise how nitrous oxide is provided and to reduce any unnecessary waste.

During the excitement of the CDC opening, our lead CT Radiographer Colin invited GE Healthcare to come down to Plymouth to take part in a litter pick.

Clean Air Day takes place every year on 18th June to highlight the health risks that poor air quality poses. By cleaning up our air, we can all benefit from immediate and lasting health improvements, and help ensure that future generations can live happier, healthier lives.