In 2023, HOPE Agora focused on “Climate and Environment: Challenges for Hospitals and Healthcare Services”. The Agora is the conclusion of the HOPE Exchange Programme, of which one of the main objectives is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between healthcare professionals in a European context. Each year, HOPE Exchange participants as a group give a presentation of their experiences in the host country on a specific theme, identifying up to three good practices which are gathered in a report. The report of 2023 focused on Climate and Environment for Hospitals and Healthcare Services.
Previously in 2023, HOPE prepared a report on Health in environment and climate adaptation policies where we compiled information from regional or national level initiatives aiming to adapt our systems to the changing climate.
Following a meeting on 4 May 2020 with Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius, HOPE launched a review of good practices in hospital and healthcare services. Several good practices were identified. They are accessible below.
Tay Keskussairaala Central Hospital (Finland)
Rhein-Mosel-Fachklinik (Germany)
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (United Kingdom)
Infanta Sofia Public Hospital (Spain)
Trelleborg Forensic Psychiatric Centre (Sweden)
Mayo General Hospital (Ireland)
Moulins-Yzeure Hospital (France)
Central Denmark Region Green Transport (Denmark)
Central Denmark Region Circular Economy (Denmark)
Helsinki University Hospital (Finland)
Central Denmark Region Green Energy (Denmark)
Central Denmark Region Social Responsibility (Denmark)
HOPE was involved from 2012 to 2014 in a project to reduce waste in electric and electronic medical equipment by improving the quality of donation of medical equipment. In several EU Member States, medical equipment donations are part of a strategy to improve the quality of care in developing countries. The project helped improve supply of services to donation actors, as well as of resources for information and training: documentary, training campaigns, technical and methodological support, thematic groups, discussion forum and an international conference.
In 2009, HOPE worked on the topic “Does EU environment policy influence hospitals and public health?” focusing on good practices of hospitals and healthcare services in improving their energy performance.