When baby boomers think back to their childhoods, they can probably recall a treehouse, a Boy/Girl Scout camping trip, family picnics, or a passion for fishing, hunting or horse riding. Now we need to bring back that halcyon childhood pastime of letting our kids (and grandkids) get muddy once in awhile. Studies indicate that they will grow up healthier and happier because of a connection to nature.

This event built on a scoping review of research needs conducted by The King's Fund and funded by the National Institute for Health Research and SCIE. Senior people with backgrounds in funding, commissioning and co-ordinating research participated in a one-day summit to explore how we can deliver more sustainable, effective and affordable models of health and social care.

This year the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare is focusing on helping clinical specialties and organisations to cut their waste to save money and carbon. While we are involved with many longer term projects which will change systems and transform clinical practice, the fact is that there is still a shocking amount of waste within the system as it is now.  We ought to be tackling this waste immediately as it is money down the drain and carbon into the air - and we can't afford either.  

In May 2011, the BMA Medical Fair and Ethical Trade Group launched new guidelines on ethical procurement for health. The Ethical procurement for health: workbook helps procurers in the health and social care sector include consideration of labour standards throughout the procurement and market engagement processes. 

http://www.ethicaltrade.org/ethical-procurement-for-health