The Emergency Department (ED) at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) was recently awarded a Bronze Accreditation, recognising the team’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative waste-reduction practices in one of the hospital’s busiest clinical areas. The award came after the hospital took part in the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) GreenED initiative which aims to measure and reduce the environmental impact in the ED.
The ED at Mayo University Hospital alongside University Hospital Galway, are among the first emergency departments in Ireland to receive this prestigious accreditation.
The award acknowledges the department’s sustained efforts to integrate environmentally responsible initiatives into daily operations, including energy-efficient practices, waste reduction measures and staff-led sustainability projects that support a cleaner and healthier environment for patients, staff, and the wider community.
Key sustainability initiatives implemented at the ED in MUH over the past year include enhancing recycling systems and correct bin usage, delivering a comprehensive staff training programme, transitioning to 100% recycled paper and implementing targeted waste-reduction strategies.
Ann Shortt, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and lead for the Mayo ED Sustainability initiative explained that:
“sustainability isn’t always easy in such a dynamic setting, but our team has shown how powerful small changes can be. This award celebrates the dedication and teamwork behind every effort.”
The ED’s sustainability efforts form part of MUH’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and the HSE’s national goals for a greener healthcare system. By championing change at the frontline of acute care, the department continues to set a strong example for emergency medicine services across Ireland.
Caroline Lally, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner, ED, MUH, noted how, “looking ahead, the Emergency Department at MUH remains dedicated to further advancing sustainable healthcare initiatives, enhancing resource efficiency and strengthening its role in environmental stewardship. We are proud to lead by example and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for our hospital and community.”
Congratulating all involved, Catherine Donohoe, Hospital Manager, MUH, described how this “achievement recognises the team’s commitment, innovation and leadership in embedding environmentally responsible practices within a demanding clinical environment, while delivering positive benefits for the hospital and supporting a safer, more sustainable setting for patients and staff.”
This is the first sustainability framework developed specifically for secondary-care settings and aims to reduce the carbon emissions of a department through sustainable and cost-saving practices, whilst maintaining or improving patient care. It provides a structured set of evidence-based actions, organised into Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, along with the supporting guidance and resources needed to implement and achieve them.
The department now looks forward to building on this success as it works toward achieving Silver and ultimately Gold status.