The Sunshine Coast’s major provider of public health services has been recognised for its commitment to the environment.
The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service was acknowledged as a Climate Champion by international organisation Health Care Without Harm.
As a member of the worldwide network of Global Green and Healthy Hospitals, SCHHS participated in the 2021 Health Care Climate Challenge and, through the efforts of staff, achieved a gold award for Climate Leadership and a silver award for Climate Resilience.
SCHHS Chief Executive Dr Peter Gillies said the awards recognised the health service’s commitment to providing more environmentally sustainable healthcare services.
“Our staff are implementing a range of projects and programs aimed at reducing our carbon footprint and strengthening our resilience to the effects of climate change,” he said.
“We’re building a strong culture of waste avoidance, efficiency and innovation at SCHHS, embedding specialised recycling programs across the service, establishing wellness gardens at our facilities and Choosing Wisely in patient care decisions, which ultimately improves the safety and quality of the care we provide.
“The health impacts of climate change are increasingly evident and the healthcare industry itself is energy and resource intensive.
“Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy empowers staff and visitors to engage in actions that protect both public and environmental health.
“We’re honoured to receive these awards and to be a part of the global community of organisations leading the transformation to climate-smart healthcare,” Dr Gillies said.
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