Sustainability

 

Caring for the environment is part of caring for health. Frome Medical Practice has made sustainability a core value and built it into everything we do, from managing our buildings to working with partners and prescribing medicines.

Our aim is to reduce our impact on the planet and improve health and wellbeing for patients and staff. We have already taken many steps and continue to look for new ways to make a difference.

On this page you can read about what we are doing and find ideas for how you can help. Together we can create a healthier community and a healthier planet.

If you work in health care, you can find more detail in our Sharing Learning section.

Watch our short video to see some of the changes we have made:

Click on each section below to see examples of what we are doing.

Making sustainability part of our culture

Sustainability is one of our core values. We include it in staff appraisals and team meetings, and share ideas in our weekly newsletter.

Examples:

Working with local partners

We work with local organisations to increase our impact and share learning.

Examples:

Improving energy use and building efficiency

We manage energy carefully and use renewable sources where possible.

Examples:

  • Heating and cooling controlled by a Building Management System
  • Solar panels generate electricity and heat water
  • Lights fitted with sensors and labelled for easy switching
  • Staff switch off computers and lights at the end of the day
  • Five-year LED lighting upgrade plan
  • Green energy supplier for additional electricity and gas

Choosing sustainable products and services

We aim to buy responsibly and reduce single-use items.

Examples:

  • Only buying green energy
  • Staff trained in sustainable procurement
  • Asking suppliers about their environmental policies
  • Choosing Fairtrade and local refreshments
  • Avoiding products with unsustainable palm oil
  • Offering organic milk and plant-based alternatives
  • Reducing single-use plastic, including cups
  • Providing refillable bottles to staff and choosing eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Working with Frome College to promote reusable menstrual products

Reducing waste and recycling more

We recycle as much as possible and cut down on paper use.

Examples:

  • Recycling paper, plastic, cardboard, toner cartridges and batteries
  • Clearly labelled bins for better waste management
  • Printing double-sided by default
  • Using online forms and patient screens instead of leaflets
  • Condensing registration packs
  • Reusing single-sided paper for note pads

Encouraging walking, cycling and active travel

We promote active travel for staff and patients.

Examples:

  • Cycle To Work scheme and Active Travel breakfasts
  • Annual Dr Bike repair sessions and on-site cycle stand
  • Partnership with Cycle Together for e-bike loans and confidence classes
  • ParkRun practice and walking meetings

Reducing the carbon footprint of prescribing

We review prescribing to reduce environmental impact.

Examples:

  • Reducing polypharmacy and opioid prescribing
  • Health Connections team supports patients with chronic pain
  • Tracking the carbon footprint of medicines
  • Switching inhalers to dry powder types where suitable
  • Promoting habits for health and reducing medicine waste

Supporting health and wellbeing

We create spaces and activities that support wellbeing.

Examples:

We are working hard to make our practice more sustainable, and you can help too...

How You Can Help

Small changes can make a big difference. Many of these changes are good for your health and can save you money too.

Here are some ideas to get started:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle and use our refill station
  • Recycle inhalers at local pharmacies
  • Walk, cycle or use public transport when you can
  • Try sustainable period products
  • Reduce meat and dairy, or take part in Meat Free Monday
  • Choose Fairtrade goods

If you have ideas about what we can do as a practice, or what patients can do to help the environment, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to share your thoughts.

Sustainability is also a standing agenda item at our Patient Participation Group meetings.

Click on each section below to find out more about simple ways we can all help

Reduce single-use plastic and shop responsibly

Small changes can make a big difference.

Examples:

Reduce waste and recycle more

Recycling helps protect the environment and saves resources.

Examples:

  • Take your used inhalers to local pharmacies for recycling
  • Ask your nurse if a dry powder inhaler is suitable for you; they are better for the environment
  • Use every dose in your inhaler before recycling
  • Consider giving sustainable gifts, such as supporting Avon Needs Trees

Use sustainable transport

Walk, cycle or use public transport; these are healthier for you and kinder to the planet.

Examples:

  • Walk or cycle to the practice when you can; we have cycle racks available
  • Use public transport for local journeys. Information and timetables can be found at Frome Town Council
  • Choose trains instead of driving long distances
  • Reduce the amount of flying you do

Reduce paper use

As we move towards paperless systems:

Reduce prescribing where safe

As we aim to reduce unnecessary medication, in the best interest of patients:

  • We may suggest other ways to manage your condition, such as diet, exercise and support groups
  • Using these options can reduce the need for medication, which is good for you and good for the planet
  • When you need to use medication, only order what you need

Support your health and wellbeing

Looking after your health benefits you and the environment.

Examples:

  • Join local Health Walks or ParkRun at the Old Showfield every Saturday at 9am
  • If you prefer not to run or walk at ParkRun, why not volunteer to help?
  • Explore the support and exercise groups available at the practice
  • Use resources on our website and Clinics and Services pages
  • Take part in our health campaigns throughout the year
  • Learn about plastic-free menstrual products via City to Sea and Mooncup

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