Staff at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have planted over 1,000 trees to make our hospitals more green.
The trees have been planted in the grounds of University Hospital of North Tees. Further planting due to take place at University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Systems administrator, Katie Coulson, and A&E staff nurse, Danielle Jamieson, led the project under the 100 Leaders programme. Their aim was to offset carbon emissions and encourage a greener NHS.
As green champions, the team leaders wanted to expand on the Trust’s green plan in order to enhance the positive environmental benefits of greenspaces.
Katie said: “We knew from the beginning that our 100 Leaders project would be based on the Trust’s green plan.”
“By introducing new woodland areas, we hope to aid local conservation, reduce the site’s carbon footprint and inspire others to make positive changes where they work.
“We are grateful for the project support we have received. And I’m really looking forward to seeing the end result as the woodlands start to grow.”
Green support from ARUP
The project has received a donation from ARUP, a global collective of sustainability experts dedicated to sustainable development.
Zoe Webb is a senior consultant for biodiversity and nature at ARUP. She said: “We were delighted to be able to support Katie and Danielle with their project to provide more spaces for nature within the grounds of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
“It is fantastic that this has been encouraged through the 100 Leaders programme, and will have a tremendous positive impact.”
Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council and NHS Forest’s Centre have also supported the project for Sustainable Healthcare who donated 500 trees through the Trees Call to Action Fund.
The Trust’s associate director of corporate affairs and strategy, Hilton Heslop, said: “It is fantastic to see the donated trees planted under our green agenda; this is a great achievement in the 100 Leaders programme.
“Congratulations to Katie, Danielle and their team for implementing such an important sustainable element to our sites. I look forward to seeing the impact on staff and patients.”
The trees have been grown and supplied locally and the team are now looking towards the future of their project.
