Green award for emergency department

The emergency department (A&E) at St Thomas’ Hospital has been recognised for its efforts towards employing environmentally sustainable practices.

The team has been awarded a bronze accreditation by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) as part of its GreenED Programme. The scheme aims to measure and reduce the environmental impact of A&Es by encouraging them to implement more evidence-based, sustainable practices.

Through its latest cycle, the initiative has helped emergency departments across England and Wales reduce their projected greenhouse emissions by an estimated 131,502 kilograms. In total, this is the equivalent of driving a medium-sized petrol car over 450,000 miles - or around the earth over 18 times.

St Thomas' has become one of a small group of hospitals recognised to have contributed significantly towards lowering CO2e projections whilst increasing financial savings through evidence-based actions. Altogether, the RCEM estimates that the eleven hospitals awarded by the scheme have made over £216,000 in cost savings.

Dr Michael Trauer is a consultant in emergency medicine and the emergency department lead for environmental sustainability and helped to drive the programme to achieve accreditation.

He said: “At St Thomas’ we are proud to be the first hospital in London to receive a Royal College Award for Environmental Sustainability. This recognition reflects the sustained efforts of doctors, nurses and managers in the emergency department, alongside colleagues across the Trust, including from the sustainability, waste and procurement teams.

“Whilst this is an important milestone, more work needs to be done by us and the NHS to meet our commitment to reach net zero by 2040.”

Dr Trauer also thanked colleagues Dr Gemma Taylor and Dr Nathan Hudson-Peacock for their part in the scheme.

Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said: “On behalf of the College - a massive congratulations to the team at St Thomas’ Hospital who have been awarded a Bronze accreditation through our GreenED programme.”

“This accomplishment has been driven by a dedicated, innovative team, who have reduced emissions, as well as waste and saved costs - all to tackle the climate crisis.

“A healthier planet means healthier patients, and we have a duty to act to protect both. As a College, we are proud to support emergency departments across the UK, and beyond, in playing their part to become more environmentally friendly.”