Green accelerator programme helps tackle NHS carbon footprint

Published: 20-Jul-2021

Three companies selected as part of inaugural programme supporting carbon reduction across the NHS

A new pilot programme designed to support the NHS’s commitment to reducing its carbon impact has selected its first partners who will be the focus of Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network’s inaugural ‘green’ accelerator programme.

Three companies will initially take part in the programme.

Dignio provides an integrated care platform connecting patients and healthcare professionals; while Automedi is a sustainable 3D printer; and Patients Know Best provides a digital personal health record.

Commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, and delivered by Yorkshire & Humber AHSN; the Propel@YH Net Zero pilot programme will enable all three companies to access to a structured course of bespoke support and advice around the environmental sustainability of their products.

All of the organisations selected have sustainable or ‘green’ innovations, or have existing products that could support the NHS’s ambition of achieving ‘net zero’ emissions by 2040.

Dignio is a digital integrated care platform that connects both patients and healthcare professionals, providing virtual remote care.

It is patient focused and empowers the user to self manage their condition with support from healthcare professionals.

Ewa G Truchanowicz, managing sirector of Dignio in the UK, said: “We are really pleased to have been selected for this innovative project.

Climate change and health are intricately linked in that they both affect one another in a circular fashion. It is therefore imperative that we work to break the cycle and ensure that our health and social care services are as environmentally friendly as possible going forwards.

"The Dignio Integrated Care Platform has the potential to radically change healthcare in the UK.

"Digital solutions, like ours, are not only helping the NHS to reduce costs, but are also able to help it reach its net-zero target.”

Kathy Scott, deputy chief executive at the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, added: “Innovation is all about change, and if we are going to address this massive issue, we need to bring about change in the way we think and operate.

"The AHSN is perfectly positioned to support the drive for environmental sustainability at every stage and every level and the development and uptake of innovations that support this crucial agenda.

All three of the selected companies offer innovative green solutions to help the NHS achieve its target of reaching net zero by 2040 and we will work closely with them to enable them to bring their innovative green solutions to the region

“All three of the selected companies offer innovative green solutions to help the NHS achieve its target of reaching net zero by 2040 and we will work closely with them to enable them to bring their innovative green solutions to the region.”

And Frank Swinton, climate change lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, said: “Climate change and health are intricately linked in that they both affect one another in a circular fashion.

"It is therefore imperative that we work to break the cycle and ensure that our health and social care services are as environmentally friendly as possible going forwards.

“This scheme is a great way to help innovators bring their green-med solutions closer to being everyday tech that is used across the sector and we’re delighted to be able to offer this programme in West Yorkshire and Harrogate, where we aspire to being global leaders in our response to climate change.”

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