Environmental Health and Sustainability Plan 2023-2027 launched.

Sydney Local Health District is moving towards becoming a more environmentally responsible, adaptable, and resilient organisation.

Chief Executive Dr Teresa Anderson AM was joined by Board Member Ronwyn North and sustainability leaders from across District hospitals and facilities to launch the Environmental Health and Sustainability Plan 2023-2027.

Dr Anderson opened the event by emphasising the importance of addressing climate change and greenhouse gas emissions through achievable goals and targets. 

She said adopting new methods and changing practices will be a big task, but said staff are up for the challenge.  

“It can be so overwhelming, but as you know, in Sydney Local Health District, we don’t accept there’s nothing we can do.”

With over 12,000 staff, the District is responsible for the health and wellbeing of more than 740,000 people living in the local communities and many more from rural and remote parts of NSW and Australia who access services.

The Plan sets achievable goals for practical adjustments to address the high energy and large resource consumption and waste production arising from the operation of hospitals and facilities.

District Director, Workforce and Corporate Operations and Sustainability Committee Co-Chairperson Gina Finocchiaro spoke of the programs already in place.

“The District has had a sustainability committee since at least 2014,” she said.

“We have the first electric vehicle for Capital Infrastructure and Engineering, and ongoing LED lighting upgrades continue.”

Other ventures by the Sydney Sustainability Program to roll out across other sites include the Sustainability Hub at RPA, which provides a central location for staff to recycle various items and coffee cup recycling, saving paper cups from landfill.

Blister pack recycling is also a feature service looking to grow. Foils and other reusable materials from blister packs are sorted and shredded to be made into new products.  

“So far, we’ve submitted 40kg. It’s been well received, and everyone has been enthusiastic about it,” Concord Hospital Deputy Director of Pharmacy Andra Ronis said.

The Plan demonstrates the strong commitment and determination of the District for the next five years, and Dr Anderson was excited to continue the next steps.

“I am very proud of the work that has already been done in our District, and the engagement and commitment of our Board, our clinicians and all our staff to ensuring our services are environmentally sustainable,” Dr Anderson said.