Green Initiatives at Tarleton Group practice

What was the issue?

The practise had not done much in the way of making sustainable changes but had GP partners that were ecologically minded and were keen to get involved and make sustainable changes where they could. The practice did sign up for the Redmoor ‘net zero’ campaign a few years ago but needed to focus their efforts.

What action was taken?

The team at the practise started by asking for bike storage and a staff shower facility to be built during an NHS property services (NHSPS) refurbishment to aid with staff active travel. During this refurbishment they also pushed for LED lights to be installed throughout the building and for signs to remind staff to turn lights off when leaving a room. In conjunction with NHSPS approval has also been given to utilise a bleak greenspace at the practise and turn it into a community garden for staff and the local community. The plans include seating areas, outside gym equipment, and a wildflower bed to encourage biodiversity growth. The practise has also been approved for funding from Active Travel Lancashire to purchase some E-bikes for staff to use for home visits and they hope to extend this to a borrowing scheme where staff can borrow the e-bikes at the weekends.

What was the Delivering a Net Zero NHS Benefit?

The cycle facilities being installed at the practise make it much easier for staff to commute consciously and comfortably with the use of a shower facility. Alongside this, the use of E-bikes for patient home visits reduces the car travel around the village reduces air pollution whilst also promoting active travel in the community. The development of the green space at the practise will encourage biodiversity development which contributes to reducing air pollution and encourages wildlife.

What are the wider benefits?

These changes will improve employee health and wellbeing through staff being empowered to be more active in their commute and having a green space with seating and flowers to relax in during their breaks enabling a reduction in stress. The green space is also available to the community making the practise more than just the local GP but a place where locals can enjoy the outdoors and the benefits that come from this.