Sharing challenges and solutions, I was one of 350 healthcare delegates from 34 countries and 5 continents who met at CleanMed 2012 in Malmo, Sweden to develop models for sustainable healthcare.
"A big success - I particularly liked the intimate atmosphere that allowed for great networking" (evaluation feedback).
Experts from government Ministries, WHO, academia and industry discussed with healthcare professionals how to achieve transformational change, based on lots of existing good practice ranging from buildings and lighting to system re-design and staff engagement.
Lena Ek, Swedish Minister for the Environment showed what can be done in one country with real commitment, Dr Carlos Dora from WHO gave global examples of green policies and provision and Prof. Hugh Montgomery from the University College London spoke about the close relationship between health and climate change and stressed the urgency of acting to curb emissions.
Sonia Roschnik of the NHS Sustainable Development Unit and Dr. Shu-Ti Chiou, the chair of the governance board of the International Health Promoting Hospital Network and Director-General of the Bureau of Health Promotion at the Department of Health in Taiwan expressed the commitment of their organisations to support Health Care Without Harm’s project, the Global Green and Healthy Hospital Initiative.
16 parallel sessions enabled participants to learn and connect to leaders in the field of green procurement, energy solutions, non-toxic healthcare, responsible supply chain management, staff engagement and leadership. You can see photos and link to all the presentations here at www.cleanmedeurope.org
Anja Leetz, Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm Europe stated: “CleanMed Europe is inspiring and energising and people walk away with many new contacts and ideas how to green their daily practice. Our goal to improve public health and healthcare is related to the mission of hospitals and health systems of first do no harm and we are pleased that our conference provides a platform for the exchange to happen. We are keen to see the implementation and learning that goes on across Europe and globally and to report back next year at CleanMed Europe 2013 in Oxford.”
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare is excited about hosting the next CleanMed Europe from September 17-19, 2013 in Oxford, UK. We are planning 3 days of very focused work, time for networking and plenty of fun! Save the dates now and we will let you know when registration opens.
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