PHSG Students pick up UHP's litter
In November 2024, we were lucky enough to welcome Plymouth High School for Girls’ Earth Alliance team to Derriford Hospital’s grounds for a litter pick. Seventeen students collected 4.5 kgs of waste in about an hour while we chatted about the Trust’s commitment to sustainability. We talked about the king and queen oaks we have on site which are roughly 700 years old, and the importance of green space for patients and staff. A variety of fungi sparked a lively discussion about mycelium networks and the mysteries of symbiosis in the soil which help to sustain life on Earth. We agreed that fungi offer a lesson in the importance of collaboration and interconnection, especially in light of our increasingly isolated and digitalised way of living.
Local students who are passionate about halting climate change and increasing biodiversity help to hold organisations like UHP accountable to their Net Zero targets; They remind us that we’re working towards a greener NHS for the benefit of all future generations. We are hopeful that the girls were equally inspired both as citizens and potential future NHS employees to keep striving for a sustainable world, even in the face of challenge. Check out the girls’ reflection on the PHSG website, read the Earth Alliance Litter picking article.
Moving into 2025, we will continue to work with Earth Alliance as they build artworks out of discarded hospital waste. We are hopeful this creative work will raise awareness of the waste generated by hospitals and encourage employees to take action to reduce it.
Drop us an email for any further information regarding collaborating with UHP’s Sustainability Team: plh-tr.sustainability@nhs.net
