Sustainability

 

We are committed to improving sustainability across all areas of the Practice, from how we use resources to how we support patients and staff.

Our approach focuses on reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, supporting greener choices, and promoting healthier lifestyles for our community.

Watch our short video to see some of the changes we have made:

Click on each section below to see examples of what we are doing.

Sustainable resources and procurement

We have reviewed our purchasing to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability.

  • Switching to sustainable office supplies, including paper and stationery
  • Using eco-friendly cleaning products with refill systems to reduce plastic waste
  • Working with suppliers to improve sustainability across our supply chain
  • Encouraging Fairtrade, local and responsibly sourced food and drink
  • Providing plant-based milk options for staff and visitors

Reducing waste and single-use plastics

We are actively reducing waste across the Practice.

  • No single-use plastic cups at water stations
  • Staff and patients encouraged to use reusable water bottles
  • Participation in the Refill Frome scheme
  • Recycling of paper, cardboard, batteries and printer cartridges
  • Clear waste segregation (clinical, confidential, recycling and sharps)
  • Staff training to support effective waste management
  • We also reuse materials where possible, including envelopes and single-sided printed paper.

Reducing paper use and going digital

We are working towards becoming a more paper-light Practice.

  • Encouraging use of online forms and NHS App services
  • Double-sided printing as default
  • Scanning and emailing instead of printing where possible
  • Reducing printed patient leaflets in favour of digital information screens

Sustainable travel

We support low-carbon travel options for staff and patients.

  • Cycle to Work scheme (including support for e-bikes)
  • On-site cycle storage and repair facilities
  • Annual Dr Bike visits
  • Active travel and walking meetings encouraged
  • Participation in Parkrun and active lifestyle initiatives
  • Promotion of public transport and car sharing

Greener prescribing and medicines use

We are working to reduce the environmental impact of medicines.

  • Reducing medicines waste through patient awareness campaigns
  • Supporting appropriate prescribing and medication reviews
  • Encouraging return of unused medicines to pharmacies
  • Promoting inhaler reviews and switching to lower-carbon options where clinically appropriate
  • Working with care homes to reduce unnecessary medication use
  • Collaborating with pharmacies to improve reduce medicines wastage

All prescribing decisions are based on what is safest and most appropriate for each patient.

Health, wellbeing and sustainability

We recognise that healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability are closely linked.

  • Supporting patients to improve health through lifestyle change
  • Health Connections support and community signposting
  • Health and wellbeing campaigns throughout the year
  • Promotion of walking, cycling and active lifestyles
  • Access to local groups including Parkrun and Health Walks
  • Information and support available via our website and clinics

Staff wellbeing and green spaces

We are committed to creating a healthy and sustainable working environment.

  • Staff wellbeing garden with raised beds and planting areas
  • Reflection garden for quiet space and wellbeing
  • Outdoor meetings and lunchtime activities encouraged
  • Composting on site in partnership with local initiatives
  • Regular wellbeing activities for staff

Working towards net zero

We are committed to national sustainability goals and continuous improvement.

  • Participation in the Green Impact programme
  • Commitment to reducing our carbon footprint in line with national targets
  • Sharing learning with other healthcare organisations
  • Supporting innovation in sustainable healthcare delivery

Patient involvement

We welcome ideas from patients on how we can improve sustainability.

  • Sustainability is a standing item on Patient Participation Group meetings
  • Patients are encouraged to share suggestions and feedback
  • We promote simple actions patients can take to reduce environmental impact

We are working hard to make our practice more sustainable, and you can help too...

How You Can Help

Small changes can make a big difference. Many of these changes are good for your health and can save you money too.

Here are some ideas to get started:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle and use our refill station
  • Recycle inhalers at local pharmacies
  • Walk, cycle or use public transport when you can
  • Try sustainable period products
  • Reduce meat and dairy, or take part in Meat Free Monday
  • Choose Fairtrade goods

If you have ideas about what we can do as a practice, or what patients can do to help the environment, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to share your thoughts.

Sustainability is also a standing agenda item at our Patient Participation Group meetings.

Click on each section below to find out more about simple ways we can all help

Reduce single-use plastic and shop responsibly

Small changes can make a big difference.

Examples:

Reduce waste and recycle more

Recycling helps protect the environment and saves resources.

Examples:

  • Take your used inhalers to local pharmacies for recycling
  • Ask your nurse if a dry powder inhaler is suitable for you; they are better for the environment
  • Use every dose in your inhaler before recycling
  • Consider giving sustainable gifts, such as supporting Avon Needs Trees

Use sustainable transport

Walk, cycle or use public transport; these are healthier for you and kinder to the planet.

Examples:

  • Walk or cycle to the practice when you can; we have cycle racks available
  • Use public transport for local journeys. Information and timetables can be found at Frome Town Council
  • Choose trains instead of driving long distances
  • Reduce the amount of flying you do

Reduce paper use

As we move towards paperless systems:

Reduce medicine use where safe

As we aim to reduce unnecessary medication, in the best interest of patients:

  • We may suggest other ways to manage your condition, such as diet, exercise and support groups
  • Using these options can reduce the need for medication, which is good for you and good for the planet
  • When you need to use medication, only order what you need

Support your health and wellbeing

Looking after your health benefits you and the environment.

Examples:

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