In support of World Earth Day 2024 (#EarthDay), we are delighted to broadcast our latest iHV Podcast with Professor Charlotte McArdle who leads the nursing profession’s response to sustainable healthcare in England, recognising the role that nurses and midwives play to reduce climate change, and making strong links between the health of the planet and the health of the population.

In this episode, Charlotte and Alison discuss:

The importance of nurses’, midwives’ and health visitors’ role in health equity – tackling the social determinants of health, including preventing global emergencies, such as climate change.
The background to the “Nurses for Health Equity” report and subsequent steps that are being taken across the globe to build a united “voice” for the nursing family which has the potential to drive real change.
The forthcoming CNO Plan for Nursing and Midwifery in England, particularly the pillar focused on “protecting our planet”.
Charlotte concludes with her hopes for focused action by nurses, midwives and health visitors in four key areas:

Prevention and early intervention – working together with “one voice”, engaging in population health approaches.
Quality improvement applied to climate change – using improvement science methods to lead innovation.
Co-production – working with people, families and communities to develop new sustainability approaches.
Decarbonising our care processes – for example, reducing the use of single use plastics, and supporting families with ways to become more sustainable, including various approaches to address the current high carbon footprint of disposable nappies, sanitary and period products.

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