Corby Lakeside team to tackle energy saving, recycling and greener alternatives to traditional medication

Corby' s largest GP surgery is set to boost its green credentials with the introduction of a new team to introduce environmentally-friendly practices.

The team of staff at Lakeside Corby has been formed to introduce a range of initiatives to help patients while being environmentally-friendly.

About 15 members of staff have joined the ‘eco-team’ to focus on energy saving, recycling and greener alternatives to traditional medication.

They will also work on a community garden to be shared by staff, patients and residents.

GP partner, Dr Rosaline West, said: "By making changes we can provide the same service to patients while implementing greener alternatives. For instance, traditional asthma inhalers can be polluting due to the gases they contain. Switching to dry powder inhalers means patients get the same health benefits but as they don’t use gases it also improves air pollution which is also beneficial in the long term.

"We are taking part in specialist recycling schemes for face coverings, medication blister packs and plastic biros. We are also donating equipment and books to the charity Intercare, which equips medical centres in Africa with much-needed resources.

"We will also be reviewing our energy and water usage and although we already have solar panels at Cottingham Road, housekeeping habits like switching lights and computers off and reducing water consumption all make a difference.

"Our final project will be developing a green mindfulness space for patients and staff or else joining in a community garden project. We have lots of ideas and volunteers from all areas of our practice, so this is a really exciting start to our eco-group."

A Lakeside spokesman said: “Our staff volunteered to take part in this team outside their working hours as a social activity.

“Their membership in no way affects their ability to carry out their primary role of delivering healthcare.

“The eco team does not take time or resources away from core services delivered at Lakeside Corby and our colleagues’ willingness to step up and be involved demonstrates their social responsibility and commitment to our patients.

“We are very proud of all our Lakeside team, who are working under incredibly demanding pressures, particularly those who go above and beyond to make a difference to the community and environment in any way they can.”