A HEALTH trust is making great strides in reducing its carbon ‘footprint’ and supporting the battle against climate change.

As part of its work to meet NHS carbon net zero targets, Dorset HealthCare is switching to eco-friendly, energy-efficient equipment.

It is reducing its carbon emissions by replacing old light fittings with energy-efficient LED lighting, installing solar PV panels at community hospitals and using a mix of solar, wind and hydro energy to offset tonnes of CO2.

Electric charging points are also being installed at sites across Dorset so electric vehicles can be used to support patient care in the community.

Patrick McDermott, Dorset HealthCare’s Sustainability and Fleet Manager, said: “We have made great progress over the last year in reducing our carbon footprint.

“Our target is to become a carbon net zero health service by 2040. It’s great we are making this change to clean and renewable electricity in the same year as the UK hosted COP 26 and helped focus the world’s attention on climate change action.”