University Hospital Coventry awarded Gold for environmentally sustainable emergency care

University Hospital Coventry has been awarded Gold accreditation in the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) GreenED programme, recognising outstanding work in the Emergency Department to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency and patient care.

The Trust is just the second in the UK – and the first Major Trauma Centre – to achieve Gold status, which lasts for 12 months.

GreenED is a national initiative led by the (RCEM) designed to help Emergency Departments measure and reduce their environmental footprint through a series of evidence‑based actions. Hospitals progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, with Gold representing the highest standard of sustainable practice.

Achieving these standards not only supports national Net Zero ambitions but also delivers real financial savings for the NHS and helps maintain – and in many cases improve – the quality of patient care.

Dr Helen Wilkins, Emergency Department Consultant at University Hospital Coventry and GreenED site lead, said: “We are delighted with this announcement, it is the culmination of three years of sustainability work across the whole of the Trust.

“This work shows that environmentally sustainable healthcare can also be efficient, cost‑effective and focused on delivering the best possible care for patients.”

Sustainability work has been embedded across University Hospital over a three‑year period. Key achievements within the Emergency Department include a 93 per cent reduction in the use of Entonox, fewer unnecessary blood tests and the introduction of reusable suture sets which save around 10,000 surgical instruments each year.

The Gold accreditation has also prompted wider initiatives that benefit patients, staff and the local community. These include a greater focus on plant‑based catering, the introduction of social prescribing within the Emergency Department and better use of the hospital’s green spaces to support wellbeing and recovery.

Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, added: “On behalf of the College, a massive congratulations to the team at University Hospital Coventry.

“The work carried out by the team has reduced emissions and waste, saved costs and demonstrated how Emergency Departments can play a vital role in tackling the climate crisis. A healthier planet means healthier patients, and we are proud to support departments across the UK in becoming more environmentally friendly.”