On Wednesday 18 June, colleagues from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) joined local organisations, community groups, schools and residents at Durham Clean Air Day to help raise awareness of the importance of clean air and its impact on health.
The event, organised by Climate Action Durham and held at Durham Town Hall, brought together partners from across the city to discuss air quality, transport, health and practical actions that can support cleaner air and healthier communities.
CDDFT was represented at the Clean Air Fair by Sara Taylor, Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Michelle Fawdon, Lead Respiratory Nurse, and Dr Liz Moisey, Respiratory Consultant.
The team spoke with members of the public about respiratory health, the impact of air pollution on people living with lung conditions, and the steps individuals can take to protect their health. They also shared information and resources with visitors, including materials on inhaler use and examples of lower-carbon inhaler options, such as inhalers using a more sustainable propellant.
Why clean air matters
Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to health and is linked to a range of conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Improving air quality can help reduce these risks and support better health outcomes for children, adults and communities.
Michelle Fawdon, Lead Respiratory Nurse at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Clean Air Day gave us a valuable opportunity to speak with local residents about respiratory health, the impact of air pollution and the small actions we can all take to support cleaner air.
“Poor air quality can worsen symptoms for people living with conditions such as asthma and COPD, so it’s important we continue to raise awareness and support healthier communities.”
Supporting cleaner air across CDDFT
Durham Clean Air Day also provided an opportunity to highlight some of the work already taking place across CDDFT to support cleaner air, reduce emissions and improve environmental sustainability.
Recent initiatives include supporting more sustainable travel choices through improved cycling facilities and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, alongside work to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency across Trust sites.
The Trust is also progressing clinical sustainability projects that aim to reduce unnecessary waste and embed more sustainable practice into patient care.
Earlier this year, the Emergency Department at University Hospital of North Durham became the first department in the Trust to achieve GreenED Bronze accreditation through the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. The award recognised the team’s work to reduce waste, improve efficiency and make sustainability part of everyday clinical practice.
Working together for healthier communities
The Clean Air Fair featured information stalls, school displays, community groups and healthcare organisations, creating opportunities for residents to learn more about air quality and the actions they can take to support cleaner air.
Peter Cook, from Climate Action Durham, said: “We were delighted to welcome colleagues from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust to Durham Clean Air Day. Healthcare voices are vital in helping people understand the real impact air pollution has on health, and in supporting action that benefits residents across the city.”
Thank you to all colleagues who represented the Trust and supported conversations with local residents, partners and community groups throughout the event.
