The success of the delivering a net-zero NHS ambitions heavily relies on clinicians. Nurses and midwives, as the largest NHS workforce present across all clinical settings, are well-positioned to support high-quality, lower carbon care. While 9 in 10 staff members support a greener NHS (YouGov, 2021), local efforts have mainly been led by estate and medical professionals.

Networks serve multiple purposes, including connecting individuals and driving change (The Health Foundation, 2014), which supports working as a system for quality improvement (Kings Fund 2017, BMJ 2020).

Ams and Objectives of the Network

The NHS England Nursing and Midwifery Sustainability Network launched in December 2022 with the following objectives: 

In the context of achieving an effective network, our emphasis has been on  fostering a common purpose, strengthening capacity, influencing strategic decisions, and facilitating the sharing and learning from best practices. 

All this with the aim of enhancing the implementation of a net zero NHS and providing opportunities for professional development and celebration in line with CNO commitments to provide workplaces filled with opportunity.