Northern NHS
Facilities Management Training Advisory Group

Home Events Newsletters Links Contact

Estates

Facilities:-

Introduction Members News Past Events

Hotel Services

FM TAG Review:

GREENCODE TRAINING

March, 2000
IPCISS. Computer Training Centre - Royal Bolton Hospital

Following the formation of the North West Greencode Users Group (from the previously titled North West Environmental Networking Group), a series of introductory training sessions were arranged in March, for the Greencode Software system. The new Controls Assurance standards, in particular the Environmental Management module, have made Trusts realise the importance of environmental issues within the NHS. The standard states "The NHS must ensure that it minimises the environmental risks which result from owning and operating health services in order to minimise the negative health effects on the nation, both it's environment and it's population".

The environmental management module is based on the requirements set out in the international standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), ISO 14001 and basically recommends the implementation of such an EMS. As Greencode is an EMS produced by the NHS, for the NHS, many members of the User Group have already committed to purchase the package.

The training sessions, held at Bolton Hospital, were run by Dr. Paul Yaneske and Mr. Kenneth McDonach from the University of Strathclyde - Safety and Environmental Management Unit in Glasgow, where the system was first developed.

The aim of the workshops was to provide potential users with an interactive introduction to the EMS, taking delegates through the various stages including; identification of environmental aspects, identification of applicable legislation, examination of existing management practices, identifying the significance of environmental aspects, collating records, setting initial strategic objectives and generating an environmental policy statement.

All of the workshops were well attended and the only criticism appeared to be the lack of course notes and information to take away. The only day sessions provided a useful overview of the Greencode system, although it is anticipated that further, more detailed training will be required for Trusts to fully implement and understand the software, as well as develop the necessary environmental management knowledge.

Review by:
Sian Fisher
Waste Minimisation Officer
Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Chorley & South Ribble NHS Trust

For further information regarding the North West Greencode Users Group, please contact Mike Gallagher at Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Trust on Tel: 01253 303725