At MCHFT and CCICP , we believe in health and high-quality care for all, now and for future generations. This means that the way we work today must meet the needs of the present, without compromising the needs of future generations. We have a responsibility to ensure the way our organisation operates reflects the needs of our patients, our staff, our communities and the environment.
We are committed to ensuring sustainability and social responsibility are imbedded within our organisations culture. This culture will form the basis of our approach to service delivery today and for the future and supports the delivery of our 5 year Trust Strategy, which was approved in 2021.
We recognise the impacts that services can have on the environment. Through our commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2040, we can improve our approach to ensure the sustainable management of energy, waste, water, procurement, transport, medicines and construction.
We have ambitious plans to become a community anchor for social responsibility. The term social value means different things to different people depending to the context. Within MCHFT and CCICP it means improving the economic and environmental benefits for the people who connect with our services. It means tackling poverty and inequality. It means improving the health and wellbeing of the population. It means making the very best use of every penny we spend to ensure the long-term financial stability of the organisation so we can provide the best possible standard of healthcare to our patients.
Environmental and Social Responsibility Plan 2021 - 2026
Our Environmental and Social Responsibility Plan (ESRP) 2021 - 2026, approved in December 2022, is a big step towards a truly sustainable and socially responsible organisation.
The ESRP presents our Green Plan. It is the Trust’s mission to provide unparalleled care for our local population and placing sustainability at the heart of our healthcare services is crucial to successful delivery. We are taking a unique approach to sustainable healthcare; combining net zero carbon ambitions with broader social priorities to reduce health inequalities, enhance wellbeing and provide support across our community.
The last year has been significant for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as we continue to pursue improvements in the social and environmental benefits we provide for our people and local communities.
We recognise our responsibility to be an accountable organisation by giving to society and having a positive impact on the lives of our staff, patients and community, as well as the natural environment. Our social and environmental responsibility commitments are included within this strategic plan and we have developed an action plan as part of our ongoing response to the Greener NHS programme, the UK climate emergency and feedback from our staff and wider stakeholders.
Over the last year, we have further invested in our people and carbon reduction efforts. Key highlights include our support groups, for example mental health first aiders, job opportunities for young people through the Inspiring Futures team, equality and diversity initiatives, establishing a sustainability programme and governance; and digital and agile working. We are committed to supporting the quality of life of our workforce, patients and the wider society via our five key themes: social, jobs, growth, environment and innovation.
Here is a list of the great work that has already taken place within MCHFT, since 2021:
- Appointment of Sustainability Manager and Executive Lead
- Introduction of the Trusts Sustainable Development Group
- Introduction of the board approved ESRP (Green Plan) 2021 - 2026
- Sustainability agreement at both the Cheshire East and Cheshire West Place Committees
- Supported the implementation of a Cheshire East Climate Change Action Group
- Reducing our emissions from electricity by 49%, gas by 18%, water by 16%, and anaesthetic gases by 32% (since 2008/09)
- Reducing our total carbon emissions from NHS Carbon Footprint by 20% (since 2012/13).
- Implementation of electric vehicle charging stations at Leighton Hospital and Infinity House
- Agreement in place to launch EV and Ultra Low emission vehicle promotions through the Trust car leasing scheme from the 1st April 2022
- Sustainability Networks established with colleagues at East, Cheshire and Wirral and Countess of Chester Trusts
- Achieved the Cheshire East Social Value Award for 5 years, awarded in January 2022
- Implementation of social value scoring process within all Trust procurement tenders
- Appointment of a Trust Sustainable Procurement Lead
- Introduction of support groups in the local community
- Introduction of Mental Health First Aiders for our staff
- Providing job opportunities for young people through our Inspiring Futures team
- Establishing sustainability programme of governance
This is just the start of our ambitious plans, please keep up to date on how we are progressing through our website, social media and other communication channels.
Would you like to be involved in the delivery MCHFT sustainability plan? Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our sustainability plan or support our work on social value within the Trust and local community? Or would you like to provide your view on the work already undertaken? Please contact the Trusts Sustainability Manager, James Whittall on 01270 273374 / james.
