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Clean Air Champions: Tackling air pollution for UK healthcare
Poor air quality in the United Kingdom (UK) is an increasing health concern, adding to the burden on the National Health Service (NHS). Approximately 30% of preventable deaths in England are due to non-communicable diseases, specifically connected to air pollution. Unless air quality improves, the health and social care costs associated with air pollution in England could reach £18.6 billion by 2035.
“Poor air quality is fueling health inequalities, so the people least responsible for air pollution tend to be the worst off”
James Bevan, Head of National Policy and Programs at Boehringer Ingelheim
Air pollution within UK hospitals and health centers remains an invisible problem. Nearly all hospitals in the UK are situated in areas that breach air pollution safety standards set by the World Health Organization. In the UK, Boehringer Ingelheim cares deeply about health and about supporting the long-term sustainability of the NHS: “Poor air quality is fueling health inequalities, so the people least responsible for air pollution tend to be the worst off,” emphasizes James Bevan, Head of National Policy and Programs, who decided to do something about this.
In 2022, we marked national Clean Air Day by announcing a new partnership with Newcastle Hospitals and Global Action Plan – a collaboration that aims to significantly enhance air quality around hospitals and health centers. Together, we’ve developed the ICS Clean Air Framework, accessible free-of-charge to every Integrated Care System (ICS) in the country, allowing them to develop an action plan for their specific region. ICSs are coalitions of organizations working together to plan and deliver comprehensive health and care services for people who live and work in their area.
The ICS Clean Air Framework was unveiled during the NHS ConfedExpo in June 2022. James Bevan participated in a panel event alongside esteemed representatives and key stakeholders, including ICS leaders from across the nation. The framework’s overarching goal is to empower every ICS in England to become a ‘Clean Air Champion’, securing a healthier environment for us all.
By 2035, associated health and social care costs* could reach
£
18.6 B
unless air quality improves
In 2023, with the project from over half of England’s 42 ICSs actively engaged with the project. This involved collaborative efforts with Global Action Plan to implement the Clean Air Framework in five ICSs. We partnered with the NHS Confederation to host a meeting focused on health inequalities and air pollution. This drew participation from over 100 professionals, including health management leads and clinicians. Notably, England’s Chief Medical Officer also contributed as one of the key speakers. Throughout the year, the Clean Air Framework has been a topic of discussion in various sustainability meetings and national conferences, ensuring sustained momentum and fostering greater awareness, support and adoption.
*
health and social care costs with air pollution in England.
