The Australian region of the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals network (GGHH – Pacific) is delighted to welcome the Western Australia (WA) Department of Health as an official member of the network. 

 

WA Health manages the largest area in the world covered by a single health authority, serving a population of more than 2.7 million people in an area spanning over 2.5 million square kilometers. The Department of Health works in a wide diversity of locations across the state, from metropolitan, to regional to remote areas.

The Department established a Sustainable Development Unit, modelled on a successful example in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) to coordinate a systemwide response on climate action and sustainability across the West Australian health system. 

WA now joins state health departments in Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland as official members of the GGHH Pacific Region network.

The GGHH network currently boasts over 1,500 members in 75 countries who represent the interests of over 60,000 hospitals, health services and health organizations dedicated to reducing their carbon and environmental footprint and promoting public and environmental health. The GGHH Pacific region in Australia and New Zealand has 118 members, representing over 2,180 hospitals and health services across every state and territory.

 

Dr. Andrew Robertson, Chief Health Officer, WA Department of Health:

  • “The Department of Health is proud and committed to be involved in building a climate resilient, and sustainable health system for Western Australia.
  • “The WA health system will initially focus on two of the Global Green and Healthy Hospital program’s goals – Leadership and Energy – to reduce our environmental footprint and improve population health.
  • “Climate solutions benefit our health and our economy, so by improving the sustainability of WA public hospitals, we will be protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities while also reducing costs.
  • “There is a lot that can be done to reduce the health risks associated with climate change and joining the GGHH network gives the WA health system access to national and international expertise and resources to help us accelerate towards our sustainability goals.” 

 

Fiona Armstrong, Founder and Strategic Projects Director, Climate and Health Alliance:

  • “We’re thrilled that the WA Department of Health has established a Sustainable Development Unit and joined GGHH. Healthcare produces about 7% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, driving dangerous climate change and threatening health and lives. It’s really encouraging to see the Department taking strong action to reduce emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change, tackle inequality and protect health.
  • “GGHH looks forward to working with the Western Australian Department of Health to achieve their sustainability goals, while protecting the health of their population and environment.”