STAFF at Tameside Hospital have been taking part in a series of sustainability days aimed at cutting water use and reducing the NHS’s environmental impact.
The events at the Ashton-based hospital brought together doctors, nurses and non-clinical staff to explore simple, practical ways to save water both at work and at home.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts by Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver on ambitious environmental targets set out in their joint Green Plan – including reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040 for those they directly control.
Interactive sessions and activities encouraged staff to think about everyday habits, from reporting leaks to reducing water usage during routine tasks. More than 100 staff took part across the two Trusts, with engagement sessions designed to make sustainability more accessible and relevant to busy healthcare environments.
Laura Swann, Sustainability Manager at the Trusts, said: “By working together Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and Water Plus are empowering staff with simple, practical ways to save water every day. This partnership strengthens our commitment to sustainability, helping us protect vital resources, reduce environmental impact, and build a greener future for our community.”
The Trusts are also investing in longer-term measures, including installing data loggers on water meters to better track usage and identify areas for improvement. The technology feeds daily data into an analysis system, helping teams respond quickly to unusual patterns or potential leaks.
The awareness days highlighted just how quickly water can be wasted – something many staff said they hadn’t fully considered before.
Dan Hutchins, Key Account Manager at Water Plus, who helped run the sessions, said: “A running tap could use between six litres and nine litres a minute and many hadn’t realised how much water can be used in that time. Doing the event and the quiz really helped people identify more actions to consider and take, including the importance of reporting dripping taps to facilities teams.
“It was great to engage with staff in such a wide range of roles at the two trusts, who were all aware of how to report any signs of a leak at sites, which was great to see. The day emphasised how everyone can make a difference to cut water use where it’s not needed.
“Water efficiency at work and at home are really important topics and it was clear that staff at the Trust were more aware of how – and where – they’re using water.”
The joint approach allows both Trusts to share ideas and scale up successful initiatives, building on earlier environmental work such as tree planting and energy reduction schemes.
With the NHS under increasing pressure to tackle its environmental footprint, leaders say small, everyday changes by staff will play a crucial role in meeting long-term targets – and ensuring services remain sustainable for the future.