Sustainability fellows are working to identify a variety of potential approaches that Deaneries and Colleges could take depending on their level of commitment to sustainability. An example of an approach is potentially to develop a part-time or full-time sustainability fellow who can for example increase awareness of sustainability issues and develop sustainable educational initiatives. These different approaches will be generated collaboratively with Deaneries and Colleges and will be distributed across the country when complete.
The sustainability fellows vary in their clinical experience from Foundation year doctors through to final year specialist trainees and also include an occupational therapist. Some fellows are funded by their Deanery while others are funded by their Royal College. These differences allow for rich discussion and the development of a good level of mutual support. We hope that through presenting these options to Deaneries and Royal Colleges they will be more aware of how they as an organization can encourage the development of sustainable approaches at both a local and national level.
Hi Jane
completely agree - nursing and other health professions should not be left out when describing what Royal Colleges / professional bodies can do to promote sustainable healthcare. This particular project is being led by the fellows already in post - who happen to be doctors (although Ben Whittaker is representing OTs) - but we/they will be seeking to put together recommendations which will apply to other Colleges too, and it will be very useful to consult with you and others on this.
It would be great to see an RCN Sustainability Fellowship - do you think they would be interested to create one?
Best wishes,
Frances Mortimer (medical director, CSH)
Hi Frances,
I agree it would be great to see an RCN Sustainability Fellowship. Benny Goodman has been communicating with the RCN (and the NMC) about sustinability but my impression is that this is not yet a priority for them. And it is certainly the case that these initiateives are beng led by innovators 'on the ground' at this current time.