Greener Practice
Skerryvore Practice is committed to reducing our environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable NHS. We are fortunate to have our surgery within The Balfour, the first net-zero hospital built in Scotland. Every small change adds up, and we’re taking active steps to make our day-to-day operations kinder to the planet.
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How we’re making a difference.
- Digital communication wherever possible. Where possible we will contact patients via text or email via our secure platform accurx. This reduces the amount of paper we use while keeping you connected and informed.
- Thinking before we print. Our team is mindful about printing letters, leaflets, and prescription documents. We only print when it’s necessary for patient care or record-keeping.
- Reducing prescription paper waste. We have reviewed how we handle repeat prescription orders and will no longer print the reorder (right-hand) slip on prescriptions unless clinically appropriate or by patient request.
- Where clinically appropriate, we prescribe greener inhalers to patients that need them - Switching from a CFC-free blue Salbutamol inhaler to a Salbutamol Easyhaler can save around 23kg of CO₂ per inhaler — up to 270kg of CO₂ a year, equivalent to driving over 1,000 miles in a petrol car.
- Supporting wider greener prescribing. We encourage safe, effective, and lower-carbon prescribing, such as reviewing regular medications and only ordering what’s needed.
- We support our pharmacy colleagues in The Balfour with their reducing medication waste campaign and hold a supply of their green bags which our patients can collect at any time.
- We convert patients across to the Serial Prescription (CMS) service where clinically appropriate which significantly reduces printer paper and ink as only requires 1 prescription per year as opposed to 7-14 for each medication. This may additionally reduce unnecessary travel to and from GP Practice for prescription collection every 28-56 days.
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How You Can Help.
- Make sure we have your up-to-date mobile number and email for digital communication.
- Only order the medicines you need. This reduces waste and supports greener healthcare.
- Recognise that environmentally friendly practices (like reduced printing and fewer letters being sent by post) are part of wider efforts to protect health and the planet.