Responsible and sustainable healthcare

This article was co-authored by Rose Gallagher, MBE, Professional Lead Sustainability at the Royal College of Nursing and Trustee UK Health Alliance on Climate Change

The NHS has declared the climate crisis a health emergency as our warming planet threatens the very foundations of good health and well-being.

In a series of articles, we will explore the interconnectedness of opportunities to manage this threat and how consideration of the environment, social and governance (ESG) frameworks can support prioritisation and action from a legal and nursing perspective. Here we start by considering the key features that must underpin the approach taken by healthcare providers.

Provision of healthcare

Trust in healthcare extends beyond medical expertise and a positive experience of care. It encompasses environmental and social responsibility. Increasing effects and awareness of the impact of climate change alongside the physical disruption and exacerbation of inequalities this will bring are intensifying. Doing the right thing in these areas is a hallmark of a well-rounded, high-quality healthcare provider - demonstrating the ability to deliver concurrent present and future needs to ensure resilience. 

The key question for every healthcare provider is when is the time to reassess and progress their efforts in this sphere. We suggest that the time is now, as awareness increases through legislation and media and the opportunity to evaluate current practices whilst setting a vision and plan for future development that moves beyond ‘green plans’ and aligns with quality and efficiency of health services. Taking climate action now has the potential to shift our familiar business norm of responding to demand and financial drivers to one where it is the healthcare provider influencing the healthcare market in this sphere going forwards.

To do this, a robust framework for change is essential. One that actively involves both staff, patients and communities, sustains engagement and fosters continuous improvement.

For meaningful progress, staff and patients must feel a sense of ownership. They need to recognise their role in creating and upholding shared values and committing to agreed initiatives. This sense of belonging is strengthened through leading by example, minimising environmental and social harm, and working collectively to enhance the well-being of both staff and patients.

Beyond ethical and social benefits, this approach also makes financial sense. Healthcare providers who manage climate action effectively may benefit from fewer legal challenges, a reduced exposure to litigation claims and lower insurance premiums. All by taking reasonable, practical steps to serve the greater good.

A matter of trust

When knowledge, skills, and expertise are embedded and invested in those who engage with healthcare providers, whether staff or patients, the provider becomes future proofed, ready to adapt to evolving objectives, policies and reporting requirements.

With a proactive approach, breaches of policies, codes and standards should be minimal, which should have insurance benefits, as potential for litigation is reduced.

This is because healthcare providers have already secured commitment, aligning hearts and minds with their vision.

In a commercial world, true success is achieved when environmental and social responsibility becomes second nature. Integrated seamlessly into daily operations, it is no longer an obligation but a fundamental part of the provider’s culture.

Quality

Health regulators and others are likely to become increasingly influential in the sustainability space by assuring progress towards climate policy local guidelines for the industry to follow. For example, in England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) refers to ‘Environmental sustainability – sustainable development’ within their current Assessment Framework. They outline their expectations for healthcare providers, detailing standards and actions required to align with sustainable development principles. This includes reducing environmental impact, improving sustainable resource efficiency, and ensuring long-term resilience in healthcare operations.

By reliably embedding sustainability into their governance and daily practices, healthcare providers can demonstrate compliance with all UK regulators while contributing to broader environmental and social ambitions.

Challenges

Responsible healthcare demands transparency - both in identifying key challenges and in demonstrating meaningful progress toward set goals.

Healthcare providers must openly acknowledge their obstacles and establish clear, measurable ways to track and communicate their achievements.

This commitment to honesty fosters trust, accountability and aids continuous improvement to deliver high-quality care.

In the next article within this series we focus on specific environmental challenges faced by UK healthcare providers at present. We also consider the opportunities for healthcare professionals to lead the way in identifying emerging sustainability issues impacting the healthcare sector and providers and discuss solutions to mitigate these.