We are proud to announce that HomeLink Healthcare has been awarded the BSI ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems (EMS). This certification reflects our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and continuously improving our sustainability practices. It ensures that we are effectively managing our environmental responsibilities.
Our commitment to Net Zero
As part of our commitment to the environment, HomeLink Healthcare aims to be Net Zero carbon emissions by 2035 and for our supply chain by 2045, aligning with the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) climate pledge.
Looking Forward
We are excited about this significant milestone and remain dedicated to our environmental responsibilities. HomeLink Healthcare will continue to seek innovative ways to enhance our sustainability initiatives and contribute to a healthier planet in line with our Carbon Reduction Plan.
Greener AHP week
Greener AHP (Allied Health Professionals) week, 17th – 24th April 2023, hosted by NHS England, gave us the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the achievements of AHPs in making healthcare more environmentally sustainable.
A lot of AHP practice is preventative, but it also tends to be high-value, person-centred care focused on enablement, meeting patients’ own goals and building their resilience to future acute episodes, for example: falls prevention, signposting, etc.
We know early mobilisation of patients prevents complications, uses fewer hospital resources and helps people get home sooner. We celebrated Greener AHP week by inspiring and encouraging new ideas about how we can become even more sustainable in our practices.
In the below video Stu Southgate, an AHP and our Commercial Lead for Midlands and the North, discusses what AHP week means to him:
HomeLink Healthcare’s commitment to sustainability
HomeLink Healthcare is a member of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) Climate Change Group and is committed to being net zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2035 and net zero carbon emissions for supply chain by 2045.
We are in the process of becoming ISO 14001 certified and have an Environmental Policy and relevant procedures in place to attain this certification.
Here are some of the sustainable practices we already follow at HomeLink Healthcare and actions we have taken to reduce carbon emissions:
- Our therapy staff in London utilise public transport and therefore already work in a low-carbon, sustainable model of care.
- We offer remote physiotherapy sessions.
- Our therapists draw on assets outside the healthcare system, such as family relationships, local spaces and community groups. Often undertaking Physiotherapy to support patients to access local gardens and public transport.
- Our AHPs work in an integrated system, linking in with multi-agencies to ensure that patients receive timely medical and social input to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
- Walking aids – working in patients homes our staff can identify when equipment can be safely removed and reused.
- We know care needs change when at home, our staff can support to prevent over prescription of equipment.
- When HomeLink Healthcare AHPs are in patients’ homes we ensure they are able to access adequate and appropriate nutrition and hydration which will help to prevent ill health and add life to years not just years to life.
- Our AHPs can support patients post-surgery with early supported discharge.
- Our AHPs can also work with patients pre-operatively to maximise nutrition and increase global strength to improve outcomes.
- HomeLink Healthcare has planted over 150 trees in recognition of their contributions to the business and for improving our sustainability.
- We are working towards a ‘paper free’ company to reduce its inherent environmental impacts– currently we are 90% paper free.
- We purchase bio-degradable PPE aprons for use in the delivery of our services.
- HomeLink Healthcare has introduced mandatory training on Environmental Sustainability Healthcare.
- Over 95% of all internal and client meetings are held virtually.
- Public transport is the ‘automatic choice’ for all corporate travel.
- Rail is used in place of air-travel for all long-distance travel.
- An incentive scheme is being developed to encourage community-based care teams to use electric vehicles.
- Smart routing (backed by Google technology) for our community teams ensures that travel between patients is minimised.
- Our major suppliers are asked to report on their environmental policy as part of their annual re-evaluation.
- HomeLink Healthcare IT systems are cloud based which will be 100% renewable energy powered by 2025, water positive by 2030 and zero waste by 2030.
All staff are given the opportunity to feedback and suggest new and innovative ways for HomeLink Healthcare to improve sustainability via an internal ‘Opportunities and Change Request’ process.
View and share our Greener AHP week social media updates on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
HomeLink Healthcare have joined forces with providers across the independent healthcare sector in committing to a new pledge to achieve ‘net zero’ emissions by 2030.
All staff are involved in the process
In the lead up to World Environment Day this year, HomeLink Healthcare’s Environmental and Social Committee ran a competition for colleagues to submit ideas that HomeLink Healthcare could implement to work towards achieving our aim of net zero emissions, for example, by reducing our carbon footprint or eliminating single use plastics.
In addition to an environmentally friendly prize for the winner, HomeLink Healthcare has arranged for a tree to be planted with the National Trust on behalf of every colleague that submitted an idea.
Implementing new ideas
Almost 50 ideas have all been submitted to the relevant departments for future consideration. The winning idea, that can be implemented immediately and will start a trend in our reduction of single-use plastics, was submitted by Peta Kerrigan, Associate Clinical Lead, Paget At Home, James Paget Hospital.
We are committed to playing our role in tackling the climate change emergency.
Peta suggested that we buy-in biodegradable aprons instead of single-use plastic aprons.
The judges from our Social and Environmental Committee felt that this initiative could be easily implemented and adopted in other areas. Surprisingly, biodegradable aprons are cheaper than plastic aprons, so this is cost-effective at the same time. This will be implemented in locations where we are responsible for providing our own PPE.
HomeLink Healthcare is committed to building and maintaining a sustainable, environmentally friendly business and continues to regularly encourage ideas and feedback from colleagues on this topic.
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