Greener NHS Engagement Campaign

The NHS is a world-leading healthcare system with a long history of firsts. It was the first healthcare system free at the point of service. In October 2020, the NHS became the world's first healthcare system to commit to reaching net zero Reaching this goal matters. The core purpose of the NHS is to improve patient and community health outcomes. Climate change threatens this purpose, undermining the foundations of good health and putting the NHS, its staff, and the people it serves at risk. Tackling climate change is lifesaving, with health benefits gained through cleaner air, active lifestyles, and improved diets. As the UK's largest employer, contributing 4.6% of carbon emissions, the NHS is part of the challenge and the solution. It has a collective responsibility to act, with all 1.3 million staff having a role to play. Complementing other targeted communications activity within and beyond the NHS, we will launch a staff engagement campaign in the second week of July - following on from the NHS Birthday, as a means to look forward - after what has been moment of reflection and thanks for what has gone before. The campaign will launch ahead of the Olympics, leading up to our Net Zero Ambition Anniversary [30th September], and culminating in COP26.