How can doctors help the NHS achieve its Net Zero targets? Survey

The NHS creates around 4-5% of total UK carbon emissions. For example, the NHS in England is responsible for 40% of public sector emissions. As climate change poses a grave threat to public health, health services have a responsibility to reduce emissions and help to safeguard the health of future generations.

In 2020, the NHS in England adopted a plan to become the first net zero health service in the world. This included two targets:

For emissions the NHS controls directly (NHS Carbon Footprint) to reach net zero by 2040.
For emissions the NHS can influence (NHS Carbon Footprint Plus) to reach net zero by 2045.

The NHS in Scotland and Wales have similar ambitions to reach net zero by 2040, while the HSC in Northern Ireland have committed to a target of 2050. The BMA would like to better understand your views on if these net zero targets are achievable and the level of influence doctors have in implementing sustainable practice in the NHS and HSC.

1.This survey is open to doctors working in the NHS (England, Scotland, Wales) or the HSC (Northern Ireland). Are you a doctor working in the NHS or the HSC?(Required.)

Yes

GDPR statement: This information is being collected to inform the BMA's future advocacy relating to sustainability in the NHS. Some demographic information may also be collected for monitoring purposes. Any data supplied will be viewed by BMA staff and, where appropriate, elected members. This data may include incomplete responses where the respondent has exited the survey before the final submission page. Data will be retained by the BMA for a period not exceeding 12 months post the closure of the survey, before final deletion. Individual identifiable data will not be shared with third parties. Anonymised or statistical data may be used publicly or shared with third parties. Participants should not provide personal data of any person unless they are specifically asked to do so. If you have any queries or concerns about this survey, please contact info.research@bma.org.uk.