Members of the Darlington Employers Environmental Partnership (DEEP) visited Darlington Memorial Hospital this month to learn more about how County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is helping the NHS meet its Net Zero targets.
The visit, led by Sustainability Lead Sam Goss and Clinical Sustainability Lead Dr Cathy Lawson, highlighted the Trust’s impressive progress — having already reduced carbon emissions by 17% since 2019, placing CDDFT slightly ahead of the national average.
DEEP members heard about a wide range of innovative projects designed to improve sustainability, patient outcomes, and cost efficiency, including:
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Reusable theatre gowns and sharps boxes, eliminating more than 25 tonnes of single-use plastic each year.
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100,000 fewer single-use theatre caps, saving £13,500 annually.
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The introduction of electric fleet vehicles, solar power, and air-source heat pumps.
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A pioneering partnership with Philips to cut waste and emissions in intensive care.
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Collaboration with Durham University on a hydrogen-led heating and power project.
CDDFT remains committed to driving innovation and collaboration that supports both environmental responsibility and high-quality patient care, helping ensure a greener, healthier future for our communities.
