Local Hospital Trust invests in eco-friendly initiatives

Green changes are being driven by staff at a local hospital trust, following a significant investment in eco-friendly projects. The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which manages both the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, has secured over £17 million to fund more sustainable services.

While this investment is expected to provide major cost and energy savings, employees are also contributing by making small but effective changes. One example is the Undergraduate Education Team at SaTH, which is reducing waste and cutting costs during exams and teaching sessions.

Instead of disposable cups, tutors, examiners, and simulated patient actors are now asked to bring in their own reusable cups for drinks. The team has also switched to large bottles of milk instead of single-portion capsules for hot drinks.

This adjustment not only saves the department money but has also halved the amount of waste it produces. The team is now exploring other ways to be more sustainable.

Inese Robotham, Assistant Chief Executive and Chair of the Trust’s Climate Change Group, said: “We are implementing a wide range of sustainability initiatives that are reducing our environmental footprint and adding value for patients, but we are constantly seeking new opportunities to do more.

“We know that everyday habits can add up, which is why we are encouraging our staff to stop and think about how they can reduce waste in their areas, without compromising patient safety.

“We are making great strides towards delivering greener and more sustainable care for our communities, and every initiative – big and small – plays a role in helping us achieve Net Zero by 2040.”