Olivia Bush's activity
In group: Video consultations: how to set them up well, fast?
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Olivia Bush posted an update in the group Video consultations: how to set them up well, fast? 3 years, 5 months ago
What is the role of remote consultations in sustainable healthcare and will they help us to achieve net zero?. Join the debate at this free online event (funded by the Health Foundation) on 25th November.
Sign up here! https://networks.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/networks/commissioning-sustainable-healthcare/remote-consultations-what%E2%80%99s-their-role-sustainable
In Scotland today we passed an important milestone: over half a million appointments by Near Me video appointments saving an estimated 14 million miles. But as I described in my blog for Reform Scotland https://reformscotland.com/2020/07/the-health-environmental-benefits-of-nhs-near-me/ the contribution to achieving net zero, in Scotland at least, is more complex.
As things stand, patient, staff, and visitor travel are not measured in determining emissions, largely because it is difficult to do so accurately and consistently. However, it is accepted that they do carry a significant environmental impact that would undoubtedly be lessened by greater use of video consulting. It will be interesting to hear and debate whether the matter of measurement has been remedied in other countries.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply, Maimie. It would be great to see you there at the workshop next week.
England do gather data on staff and patient/visitor travel through the Greener NHS/Sustainable Development Unit and the overall figures are published in the net zero report that I’m sure you’ve seen. Our team are working on a carbon calculator to help departments quantify the difference in carbon emissions due to travel when switching to video/telephone calls.
I am very much hoping to join the event. Thanks for your reply. Maimie
My pleasure. It’s good to be in touch and I’ll hope to see you next week.