Health Action for Clean Air
Air pollution is the single biggest environmental health risk, causing 36,000 deaths each year in the UK. Air pollution is a public health crisis and requires a health sector approach.
- Health organisations can show leadership and minimise pollution within their control
- Health professionals can educate and inform patients about the health risks
- The sector can support policy measures to improve air quality
Solutions to air pollution also have potential wider benefits to our health, as active travel reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and mental ill health.
We have a range of resources and tools to help individuals and organisations across the health sector take action on air pollution.
"Together, the health sector can make a real difference to the lives of millions."
- Professor Stephen Holgate
Clean Air Hospital Framework
The Clean Air Hospital Framework is a free resource being used by hospitals across the UK to clean up their air. It is a self-assessment tool designed to improve air quality across the hospital site, and in the local community.
Clean Air Health Summit
A Clean Air Health Sector Summit was held ahead of Clean Air Day 2020. The summit brought together decision makers across the health sector to discuss and agree the action needed from the sector to tackle air pollution.
Through the event 17 immediate opportunities were identified across the following four areas:
- Getting emissions down: Reducing patient travel, supply chain innovation, setting targets for management, incorporating clean air in the NHS Net Zero Plan.
- Getting advice to patients: Updating healthcare professionals’ practices, educational materials for patients in health centres, national public health campaign.
- Getting educated: Getting a better understanding of air quality inequalities and the need to protect those most at risk of health issues caused by pollution.
- Getting experiences to influence policy: Sharing the real and personal impacts that air pollution is having on patients to ensure the need for comprehensive political is understood across the political spectrum across the country.
Islington GP surgeries - Supporting patients to understand the dangers of air pollution
Are you a GP in Islington?
Are you interested in being part of a new project to explore the vital role GPs can play in protecting patients against air pollution?
We’re looking for GPs in Islington to become Clean Air Champions and take part in a new project to incorporate air pollution advice into the patient pathway.
Clean Air Day healthcare resources
“Clean Air Day is the biggest UK campaign tackling air pollution. Healthcare professionals can use our collection of resources to inspire their colleagues, patients and visitors to get involved in Clean Air Day