A free to join webinar taking place this month will spotlight vital sustainable innovation while inspiring NHS Scotland staff in the drive to meet net zero ambitions with fresh ideas

Hosting the educational session on Thursday 29 May — entitled ‘A net zero tomorrow: innovating for a more sustainable NHS’ — formal health service partner InnoScot Health believes it is a key opportunity for the workforce to learn from some of the country’s leading green pioneers.

The Scottish Government has set a target for NHS Scotland to become a net zero organisation by 2040 and for its supply chain to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 with InnoScot Health supporting that collaborative push.

The ‘lunch and learn’ webinar from 12.00-12.45 will be presented by Innovation Commercialisation Manager Fiona Schaefer, who will be joined by guest speakers from Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland) which is “supporting a green and just transition for NHS Scotland”.

A two-year multi-disciplinary research project, Design HOPES aims to exploit “the potential of design-led thinking and making to innovate and tackle multifaceted health delivery challenges,” in turn meeting urgent net zero goals.

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded initiative works collaboratively between five Scottish Universities, NHS Scotland, the third sector, and design organisations.

Webinar guest speakers from Design Hopes will be Co-Director and Theme lead, Professor Paul Rodgers, and Theme Lead, Fraser Bruce.

Paul will speak on the project’s collaborative innovation journey working with NHS Golden Jubilee to co-design reusable theatre caps for use in NHS operating theatres, while Fraser will present on ‘The Green Ward Toolkit’ co-developed with NHS Tayside which “is designed to support both clinical and non-clinical staff, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to implement sustainable practices”.

InnoScot Health believes that sustainable, forward-thinking health service ideas — ranging from medical devices and new technologies to simple adaptations in approach — will be essential in helping support NHS Scotland to adapt, develop and strengthen in response to climate change.

The webinar will be a great opportunity to:

• Learn from those already innovating for a more sustainable NHS Scotland
• Explore cutting-edge advancements and best practices
• Discuss the direction of travel in the run up to the 2040 net zero target

The InnoScot Health webinar series is open to all, regardless of role or organisation. All sessions are hosted online through Microsoft Teams, with joining instructions provided upon registration.

• Register to attend

Fiona said: “Our May webinar represents an inclusive call to action for those wanting to make a difference but may be unsure of where to start or how to source the right support. We believe attendees will find inspiration in the innovation journeys that are discussed and can take practical learnings back to their places of work and shared with colleagues.

“Sustainable aims are now integral to NHS Scotland’s aspirations to offset the climate emergency and are a vital consideration at every level of the health service going forward.

“Our webinar attendees can be part of the solution, benefitting from the knowledge that when the right insight and support is combined, net zero gains can and will be achieved.”

The webinar will be rounded off by an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers. Pre-submit your queries for our panel discussion to [email protected].

InnoScot Health is calling on NHS Scotland’s diverse workforce to submit new ideas and benefit from its support in achieving sustainable outcomes.