Helping the NHS to be a Good Corporate Citizen
Public Health Minister Caroline Flint, Sir Nigel Crisp and Jonathon Porritt today launched a self-assessment model, in London, to help NHS organisations to measure and improve their sustainable development performance. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust is one of five NHS organisations that agreed to test the model.
A half-day workshop was held to gather feedback and input into the model, and to showcase good practice through developing a case study for inclusion in the final model.
Anna Dugdale, Director of Resources at the NNUH said “We welcomed the opportunity to participate in the new sustainability self-assessment model for the NHS. As a major employer and contribution to the local community we are very conscious of our potential to contribute towards the sustainability agenda and the need to embrace these issues.”
The model, which is web-based and available on a CD-Rom, will enable NHS organisations to look closely at how they contribute to strong local economies, community cohesion and a healthy environment. It will take into account the following factors:
• How they buy goods and services;
• How they build and manage buildings and land;
• Their employment practices;
• How they manage their waste and transport, and
• How they work in partnership with others to contribute to healthy local populations.
Announcing the launch, the Minister said:
“We know that the NHS can offer much more than just providing healthcare. By having this model available, we will offer NHS organisations a real opportunity to make a difference to their community and lead the way in Good Corporate Citizenship.”
The model was developed by the Sustainable Development Commission on behalf of the Department of Health, following a commitment in the ‘Choosing Health’ white paper.
Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission, said: “As the largest employer in
Notes to editors:
1. Further information on Good Corporate Citizenship and the NHS: www.corporatecitizen.nhs.uk
2. The five NHS organisations which tested the model are:
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• Nottingham City Primary Care Trust
• University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
• Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust
• Barts and The London NHS Trust
3. The ‘Choosing Health’ white paper:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4094550&chk=aN5Cor