Sustainable healthcare is becoming an essential part of delivering high-quality patient care. This page brings together practical tools, training, and resources to support Primary Care teams in making greener, more sustainable changes — benefiting both patients and the environment.
What is Greener Practice?
Greener Practice is a UK-wide initiative helping Primary Care teams make healthcare more environmentally sustainable — without compromising on quality or patient care.
It brings together practical tools, real-world examples, and shared learning to support teams in making simple, effective changes that benefit both patients and the planet.
Make small, practical changes to reduce the environmental impact of everyday healthcare.
Sustainable approaches can improve patient care, prevention, and long-term health outcomes.
Play a part in helping the NHS achieve its Net Zero ambition.
🌱 Start Your Greener Practice Journey
Greener Clinical Practice
Sustainable healthcare is not just a strategic goal — it can be embedded into everyday practice across the whole Primary Care team. Small, practical changes made by both clinical and non-clinical staff can collectively make a significant impact.
Greener Practice and NHS resources highlight a range of approaches that can be applied across Primary Care settings.
- Sustainable prescribing and clinical decision-making – choosing lower-carbon options where clinically appropriate (e.g. inhalers)
- Reducing waste across services – improving use of resources and reviewing both clinical and administrative processes
- Greener care pathways – reducing environmental impact across patient journeys while maintaining high-quality care
- Digital and remote working – reducing unnecessary travel through effective use of online consultations and communication tools
Staffordshire Training Hub will continue to share practical examples and case studies to support all members of the Primary Care workforce in adopting greener approaches within day-to-day practice.
👥Workforce & Wellbeing
Sustainable healthcare also supports a healthier, more positive working environment for Primary Care teams.
There is growing evidence that connecting sustainability with wellbeing initiatives can improve staff experience, engagement, and overall morale.
Examples include:
- Nature connectedness – using green spaces and natural environments to support wellbeing
- Active travel – encouraging walking or cycling where possible
- Healthier workplaces – improving environments and reducing waste
- Staff engagement – involving teams in sustainability initiatives
This aligns closely with Staffordshire Training Hub’s wider wellbeing initiatives, recognising that supporting the health of the workforce and the health of the environment go hand in hand.
🌱Get Involved & Networks
There are a range of networks and communities supporting Primary Care teams to take action on sustainability.
Getting involved can provide opportunities to learn from others, access resources, and contribute to wider NHS sustainability goals.
Opportunities to get involved include:
- Greener Practice networks – shared learning and collaboration across Primary Care
- NHS sustainability networks – regional workforce and clinical groups
- Green Champions – staff leading sustainability initiatives locally
Staffordshire Training Hub encourages Primary Care teams across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to connect with these networks and explore opportunities to get involved in sustainability initiatives.
💰Funding & Opportunities
There are increasing opportunities across the NHS to support sustainability projects and innovation.
Accessing funding and development programmes can help Primary Care teams test new approaches, improve services, and contribute to the NHS Net Zero ambition.
Examples include:
- NIHR funding programmes – supporting sustainability research and innovation
- Sustainability training programmes – enabling staff to lead improvement projects
- Local and regional initiatives – aligned to ICS Green Plans
Staffordshire Training Hub will continue to share relevant funding opportunities and initiatives that support Primary Care teams to develop and implement sustainable changes in practice.
Training & Education
There are a growing number of opportunities for Primary Care staff to build knowledge and confidence in delivering sustainable healthcare. These range from short e-learning modules to more in-depth programmes designed to support real change in practice.
Current opportunities include:
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Greener NHS Carbon Literacy Training
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Sustainable Healthcare Academy
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Greener Practice resources and webinars
A free e-learning pathway exploring the link between climate change and healthcare, and how staff can take action in their roles
View Training Catalogue Here
A practical programme supporting NHS staff to develop and deliver sustainability-focused improvement projects. Click on link below to find out more.
The LDN Sustainable Healthcare Academy — LDN Apprenticeships | Highly Rated By Ofsted
Bite-sized learning, case studies, and practical guidance tailored specifically for Primary Care. Click link below for more information.
Staffordshire Training Hub are always exploring opportunities to incorporate sustainability into local training programmes, including future webinars, PLT sessions, and workforce development initiatives aligned to the NHS Net Zero agenda.
🌱 Get Started with Greener Practice
Explore practical tools, training, and networks to begin your sustainability journey in Primary Care. Small changes can make a big difference — for patients, teams, and the environment.
🌿 Featured Resource: Green Impact for Health
Green Impact for Health is a free online toolkit for UK General Practices, led by Greener Practice and delivered by SOS UK. It offers practical advice and actions to help practices improve sustainability, reduce environmental impact, support staff morale and efficiency, and contribute towards greener NHS goals.
- Free online toolkit for General Practices
- Practical actions to support more sustainable healthcare
- Can help improve efficiency, staff morale and reduce impact
Useful Links
Explore the following resources for further guidance, tools, and learning on sustainable healthcare in Primary Care:
- Greener Practice
https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/ - Greener NHS Knowledge Hub (FutureNHS)
https://future.nhs.uk/GreenerNHS - Centre for Sustainable Healthcare
https://sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/ - UK Health Alliance on Climate Change
https://ukhealthalliance.org/ - Green Impact for Health
https://greenimpact.nus.org.uk/green-impact-for-health/