Sligo University Hospital (SUH) recently received a second Green Flag from An Taisce. The internationally recognised Green Flag was awarded following a rigorous assessment process. It recognises the commitment of hospital management and staff, HSE Estates, the NUI Galway Medical Academy, and the hospital’s Green Campus Committee in developing the hospital as a healthcare facility that delivers high-quality care and improved health and wellbeing in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

The hospital has been participating in the An Taisce Green Campus Programme since 2016 and was awarded its first Green Flag in 2020 following the successful implementation of a number of initiatives. Martin Casserly, SUH Environmental and Waste Co-ordinator, explained that “this second Green Flag has been awarded in recognition of SUH’s commitment to a sustainable health care system and greener campus. Sligo University Hospital has implemented a number of successful initiatives to date relating to energy, waste, water and biodiversity.”

He continued: “Such initiatives have included the phase-out of single use cups from the canteen, and a tap-replacement programme to reduce water wastage. Further initiatives have seen the installation of an onsite food composting unit to compost hospital-generated food waste, and the creation of the SUH Garden Project to preserve and enhance biodiversity on campus.”

Deirdre O’Carroll, An Taisce Green Campus Programme Manager, said she wanted to congratulate Sligo University Hospital’s Green Campus Committee on “achievements to date, culminating in the awarding of their first Green Flag in 2020. All involved at Sligo University Hospital are to be greatly commended for their commitment – it has led them to being one of the first hospitals to achieve and maintain a Green Flag.”

Deirdre continued: “Sligo’s work in this area sets an example for other sites to follow. The involvement of local community groups shows the potential for community partnership projects to be highly impactful and significant in the sustainable development and wellbeing of the hospital campus and wider community.”Grainne McCann, SUH Hospital Manager, noted how the Green Campus Programme “very much complements the HSE’s Climate Action Strategy and Decarbonisation Roadmap. We have a good Green Campus Committee in place here in Sligo University Hospital made up of both management and non-management personnel, as well as personnel from HSE Estates.

“Many of these initiatives would not be as successful if it wasn’t for the buy-in and support from our staff, patients and visitors. This support is very much appreciated. We are delighted to be awarded our second Green Flag in recognition of the efforts of all involved. It will certainly keep us motivated on our sustainability journey.”