NHS Education for Scotland Emphasises ‘Digital First’ in Sustainability Initiative
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has adopted a ‘digital first’ strategy for delivering training and education to the nation’s health service workforce. This initiative is highlighted as a key focus in its newly released Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy for 2024-27.
The document states that this approach extends to the work of NES staff wherever possible to minimise carbon emissions. “We are continuing with our approach to supporting remote-friendly working, education and training to encourage consideration of ‘digital first’ methods of service delivery to further reduce the impact of travel by staff, trainers and attendees,” it says.
“This will ensure that no unnecessary travel is undertaken for meetings, training, or events that can be held effectively remotely. It will also establish provision of necessary support for all staff.”
The document further indicates that NES will review its travel policy to prioritise a digital approach but acknowledges that certain areas of health and social care will still need in-person learning, allowing for exceptions.
Infrastructure and supply chains The strategy also includes plans to streamline digital infrastructure and supply chains to achieve environmental benefits.
This involves focusing on three main outcomes: reducing costs and carbon emissions by eliminating system waste, consolidating services on common platforms, and using enterprise architecture to meet sustainability goals.
Additional elements of the strategy encompass training clinicians on sustainability requirements, ensuring suppliers commit to reducing emissions in procurement processes, improving energy efficiency in capital projects, and cutting down unnecessary waste.
Karen Reed, chief executive of NES, said: “NES has a key role to play in raising and influencing awareness and understanding of the climate emergency. How we embed the principles of sustainability and sustainable care into our education, training, and workforce development programs for health and social care will help us progress towards achieving our climate goals.”