Practical Support for GP Practices on the Path to Sustainability
Net Zero is a serious commitment for the NHS, and GP practices have a pivotal role to play in making it happen. But we know that translating big targets into day-to-day action isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we’ve developed the new Net Zero introductory module as part of our Digital Journey Planner (DJP). It’s designed to give practices a level of awareness and some clarity for the path forward, offering practical steps to reduce emissions while continuing to provide high-quality care and in a way which helps other areas of practice efficiencies, costs and the digital transitions.
Why This Matters for GP Practices
GP practices are at the heart of their communities. They’re not only places where people receive care but also key players in setting the tone for local health and wellbeing. By reducing their carbon footprint, practices can make a meaningful impact—not just for the environment but also for the communities they serve. But taking on sustainability initiatives often means working within tight resources and varying infrastructures, which is why this module aims to provide a tailored approach that fits the realities of general practice.
Building the Tool: A Collaboration with Purpose
This module wasn’t built in isolation. We brought together a team of experts from the NHS, sustainability specialists, and patient representatives. Working alongside partners like the Health Innovation North West Coast (HINWC) team and GP leaders like Dr Matt Sawyer, we focused on creating a tool that meets the real needs of practices. Patient input was also central—through focus groups and consultations, we made sure the module addressed their concerns, ensuring changes wouldn’t disrupt care while making meaningful progress towards Net Zero.
What the Net Zero Module Does
The module guides practices through a structured process, starting with a straightforward assessment to get a sense of their current carbon footprint and how familiar their team is with Net Zero concepts. But it doesn’t stop there. Here’s what practices can expect:
Clear Action Plans
After the initial assessment, the tool helps practices identify specific areas for improvement, from optimising energy use in their buildings to cutting the carbon impact of prescribing and promoting active travel among staff and patients.
Tailored Guidance
The recommendations are practical, focusing on what can be done now without needing massive investments. It’s about finding those high-impact changes that fit into the daily flow of a practice.
Supporting the Whole Team
The module is built to engage everyone in the practice, from GPs to admin staff. It encourages appointing Green Champions to lead the way and provides resources like training materials and best practice guides.
Insights from the People Who Matter
A key part of developing this module was listening to the people who would be affected by it. During focus groups with patient representatives, a few things became clear.
Patients want to see their local practices taking action on sustainability, but they also expect transparency – like knowing what’s being done and how it impacts their care. These insights shaped how we framed the module, making sure it’s not just effective but also communicates the journey to patients.
Blog by Helen Holmes-Fogg and Stacey Thomson
Helen has had a varied 22 year executive career in and around the NHS. Qualifying from UCLAN in Health Policy and Management, she worked as a senior operational manager designing and delivering urgent care, clinical triage and call handling services. She has been responsible for the implementation of electronic patient management systems and the first NHS111 face to face site at a vanguard Urgent Care Centre front-ending ED. She was part of the procurement team for the North West’s first NHS111 service alongside North West Ambulance Trust. As Director of Strategy, Helen led the successful procurement of a Yorkshire Urgent Care System, leading to transformational service delivery. Over the past 5 years as the CEO of a GP Federation, she led the early formation of collaborative general practice. This grassroots revolution led the maturity and readiness for the introduction of Primary Care Networks. During this time, Helen’s team proudly developed a nationally recognised enhanced care home service.
Stacey has 20 years’ experience of working within the NHS. She has worked in General Practice throughout that time so is well aware of the pressures that are faced.
Stacey’s greatest area of knowledge is in Medicines Management and she has recently helped with the development and implementation of a Medicine Hub across a group of newly-merged practices. This involved bringing together a team of Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Practice Prescribing Support teams to improve clinical safety and access for patients.
Stacey is a strong advocate for digital solutions and how they can improve services for both staff and patients.
Available Now for DJP Users
The new Net Zero module is ready for all DJP users with a Foundation Plus or Enhanced licence. And there’s more to come—this module will also be integrated into our upcoming Digital & Transformation Hub, bringing together digital maturity and sustainability in one place. It’s our way of ensuring that GP practices have the tools they need to make real progress on multiple fronts. Get in touch to find out more.
