Seven years ago, when I started working in healthcare, no one talked about sustainability. People thought it was only for environmentalists. But now, things have changed a lot. Today, taking care of the planet is a big part of providing healthcare.

Did you know the healthcare sector is responsible for 4.4% of global pollution, which is more pollution than aeroplanes alone create? This shows why leaders must find ways to protect the Earth while caring for patients.

In this blog, I’ll talk about why caring for the planet is important in healthcare, what we’re doing at Healthverse to help, and easy ways others can join us in making a difference.

Why Sustainability Matters in Healthcare

The planet’s condition directly impacts people’s health. When temperatures rise and pollution worsens, it causes breathing issues and helps diseases spread more easily in hot weather.

As healthcare workers, we focus on saving lives. But to truly help, we need to care for the planet, because its health affects everyone.

People now understand that caring for the planet isn’t just a good idea—it’s something we must do. The big question is how we can make it part of our work in healthcare.

Our Journey at Healthverse: Bridging Care and Sustainability

At Healthverse, we’ve made caring for the planet a key part of how we work. One big step we’ve taken is using telemedicine, so patients don’t have to travel as much.

Here’s how telemedicine helps the environment:

1. Minimised Carbon Footprint: In regular healthcare, patients have to travel far for appointments. But with virtual consultations, we’ve cut down on the pollution from travel.
2. Improved Accessibility: Telemedicine makes it easy for patients to get healthcare quickly without any travel problems. It helps us take care of both the planet and the patients.
3. Optimized Resource Utilization: Virtual consultations mean we don’t need as many clinic rooms or waiting areas, which helps save energy.

Besides telemedicine, we are finding other ways to help the environment, like using energy-saving equipment, recycling waste, and choosing eco-friendly materials for our work.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Changing to a more eco-friendly way of working hasn’t been easy.

• Initial Investments: Using eco-friendly technology and methods can be expensive at first, which can be hard for smaller businesses.
• Cultural Resistance: It takes time and effort to get everyone to change old habits and start using new, eco-friendly methods.
• Measurement and Accountability: Setting up ways to measure progress and make sure everyone is following eco-friendly practices takes time and special knowledge.

However, these challenges are small compared to the long-term benefits. This change has taught us important lessons.

• Start Small, Think Big: Start with easy goals, like using less paper or switching to energy-saving lights. Then, slowly add more changes over time.
• Collaborate Across the Sector: Working with similar groups and joining big conversations helps make a bigger difference together.
• Engage Stakeholders: Teaching teams, patients, and partners why caring for the planet matters helps everyone work together.

What Can You Do to Drive Sustainable Healthcare?

Every healthcare group, big or small, can help the planet. Here are some simple ways to begin:

Leverage Technology

• Use video calls and online tools for doctor visits instead of going to the clinic every time.
• Use computers to keep health records instead of using paper.

Optimize Energy Usage

• Use medical machines and lights that save energy.
• Use energy from the sun or wind to power your buildings.

Reduce Waste

• Start recycling programs for all kinds of waste, including medical stuff.
• Use materials that break down naturally or can be used again.

Educate and Involve Staff

• Hold lessons to teach workers how to be more environmentally friendly.
• Give prizes and praise to teams who come up with great eco-friendly ideas.

Collaborate with the Community

• Work with local groups and the government to help with bigger environmental projects.

The role of healthcare goes beyond treating illnesses. It’s about supporting the community and protecting the Earth at the same time.

Healthverse combines patient care with environmental care. By using fewer resources and smarter energy, we help the Earth and improve patient experiences.

How does your organization stay eco-friendly? Are you making your work more sustainable, or finding new ways to reduce your impact on the environment?

Let’s share ideas and learn from each other. Tell us your ways to make healthcare more eco-friendly in the comments. Together, we can help the planet stay healthy for future generations.