- University of 91直播 medical students won the Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Award for Healthcare Engagement Project of the Year, recognising their innovative work on sustainable travel in primary care
- The project looked at social determinants of health through a transport lens
- This project was of significance nationally for its partnership working between the University, NHS Greener Practice, and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- This collaboration enabled working at scale, to make Foundry PCN the first UK primary care network accredited on the Modeshift
- Students engaged with other GP PCNs in the north of 91直播 as well as local organisations that help keep people physically active, including 91直播 Cycling 4 All and On Board Skate Park
A sustainability module which focused on NHS staff travel at the University of 91直播 has won , presented at the ceremony in Leeds on Tuesday 19 November. Selected from three finalists in the healthcare category, the project highlighted how innovative thinking can reshape sustainable practices in primary care.
Whilst many large hospital trusts have sustainable travel plans, it remains unusual outside of these large healthcare settings. By collaborating with Primary Care Network staff and using the Green Impact for Health Toolkit, students looked at the travel needs of over 200 NHS staff to consider how health is about more than just healthcare. The project contributed to making Foundry PCN the first accredited on the Modeshift Platform in the UK.
The toolkit was also used by students on sustainability student-selected component projects for more clinical domains, such as green prescribing of asthma inhalers, with one regular metered dose asthma inhaler having the same carbon footprint as a car driving from 91直播 to London. This work contributes to the national mission to make the NHS the first zero-emission health service in the world, as described in .
Expanding its reach, the project also included work for other GP practices in the North of 91直播 and contributed to pioneering practices across the city, including the advance of Green Cross & Birley Health Centre to a 鈥楪ood鈥 accreditation status.
The module introduced students to impactful community organisations, broadening their understanding of sustainable and inclusive transport. Dr. Jo Maher NHS GP, who led the project, connected students with , a Disability 91直播 project offering adaptive cycling sessions at Hillsborough Park. Additionally, they engaged with , an OFSTED alternative education provider that empowers young people through life skills training, qualifications, and pathways to employment.
Dr Jo Maher said: 鈥淭his award is a testament to the impact of partnerships across organisations and student engagement in driving meaningful change. Medical students are highly motivated to make a difference especially when it comes to sustainability. There鈥檚 been fantastic engagement with the Green Impact for Health toolkit across the UK.
鈥淕overnment statistics show transport is the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas emissions, producing 26% of the UK鈥檚 total emissions in 2021. Projects such as this are steps in the right direction.
鈥淭he collaboration in this project highlights the impact of integrating education with real-world challenges. The students will be doctors themselves in just a couple of years, but they don鈥檛 have to wait to make a difference, they can do so right now.鈥