Publish date: 27 November 2023
Since the launch of the Trust’s Green plan in March 2022, there have been significant developments underway to meet the net zero goals set out in the plan. To continue to support the Green plan delivery, the Trust has formed a new Sustainability Team. The team bring together a combination of knowledge and experience on sustainability. Their expertise and innovation will support West London NHS Trust to become a greener NHS organisation.
Tom Wright – Director of Sustainability
What is your role?
I am Director of Sustainability at Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH) and West London NHS Trust, with responsibility for the delivery of both organisation’s Green Plans and net zero pathway. The role encompasses a wide range of sustainability work streams including training, sustainable models of care, estates, waste, digital, procurement and travel and transport.
Have you worked on other Sustainability projects in the past and what did you do?
Previously I was Commercial Director at CLCH which included some responsibility for sustainability and prior to that Divisional Director for the Women and Children’s service at Hillingdon Hospitals. Before the NHS I worked in the IT/Computing sector in a range of commercial roles. So I’ve never actually worked in sustainability full time before but it’s always been a passion. In 2019 I completed the Business Sustainability Management Course with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, which was really good.
Outside work I am a Director of Brent Pure Energy, a community organisation delivering renewable energy solutions to schools in Brent. I have learned a lot from that.
What are your key sustainability priorities going forward?
My key priority is to ensure that both West London and CLCH have a clear programme of work aligned to the national net zero plan. It’s going to be great working together with a joint team as we learn from each other. The main target is to reduce the carbon footprint as quickly as we can. I am keen to ensure staff from West London are engaged with our sustainability work and that we address staff concerns.
Dr Sarah Letsinger – Sustainability Manager
What is your role?
I am the Sustainability Manager of West London NHS Trust.
Have you worked on other Sustainability projects in the past and what did you do?
I started off my career researching marine pollution, including plastics, engineered nanomaterials (some of which come from the healthcare sector), and pharmaceuticals. I then worked for the Scottish Government as a Zero Waste Policy Manager responsible for developing policy to prevent litter and fly-tipping. I also contributed to some other areas of work, such as the Single-Use Plastics Ban and the Circular Economy Bill. Prior to joining West London NHS Trust, I was an environmental consultant. I consulted with governments to develop environmental policy, helped businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, and conducted research for Non-Governmental Organisations.
I spend a lot of my free time SCUBA diving. I often complete underwater surveys for a charity called Seasearch which helps them track biodiversity of important marine species in UK waters.
What are your key sustainability priorities going forward?
My key priority is to support the delivery of our ambitions outlined in the green plan to reduce our carbon footprint. More specifically I will continue to support the hard work that has already been done this year and help establish an action plan for 2023/24. I really want to ensure that staff and patients feel empowered and supported to make more sustainable choices.
Severine Turgis –Energy and Estate Decarbonisation manager
What is your role?
I am the Energy and Estate Decarbonisation Manager at West London NHS Trust and Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust. My role is to make our buildings as energy efficient as possible and to reduce our carbon emissions.
Have you worked on other Sustainability projects in the past and what did you do?
Previously, I worked for the North West London Integrated Care System (ICS) as the Sustainability Manager, where I launched the ICS’ first Green Plan and set up working groups to deliver the green plan programmes.
Before that I worked at Energy UK for several years, the trade body for the energy industry on energy and climate policy where I launched the Electric vehicle and heat decarbonisation work streams and led the work on the Brexit negotiations for the energy industry.
I’ve also worked at the EDF Energy nuclear power station in Kent in their Environmental Safety Group and in London as their Fleet Sustainability Analyst.
What are your key sustainability priorities going forward?
My key priority is to put together a strategy to decarbonise our estates, both at West London and CLCH. Our focus is to move over to low carbon heating systems, which is the biggest technical challenge but also the most rewarding in terms of reducing our carbon footprint. I also need to review and update our climate adaptation plans to ensure our sites can remain operational in a changing climate.
Aniko Schwarc – Green Plan Engagement Officer
What is your role?
I am the Green Plan Engagement Officer at West London NHS Trust and Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH). My role is to raise awareness about the Green Plan by interacting with staff and patients at both organisations, and lead the Green Champions network.
Have you worked on other Sustainability projects in the past and what did you do?
I joined CLCH in 2013 and I have worked in the Green team since 2021.I’ve assisted in a variety of work streams for the Trust Green Plan, including estates, green spaces, transport, procurement, sustainable models of care and workforce engagement. I manage the expanding Green Champions network at CLCH and worked alongside their communications team to deliver the communications plan.
Previously I worked in the medical devices team at CLCH where I was responsible for coordination of the life cycle of medical devices. I also volunteered to coordinate the administration of one of the staff vaccination hubs during the pandemic.
Prior to the NHS, I worked in global business advisory companies and a university, assisting executive leads and managing offices. I have lived and worked in four countries over extensive periods of time and I have great appreciation of our diverse planet. It is very rewarding to work towards its better future.
What are your key sustainability priorities going forward?
My key priority is to support my colleagues in delivering the Green Plan at West London. I will meet services to find out more about their green work and sustainability aspirations. I will continue to establish the Green Champions network at the Trust, by working closely with the Communications team to continue the wonderful work they have done so far in promoting the green agenda. I am confident we will achieve a lot by listening to and empowering staff.
If you would like to learn more about the sustainability work taking place at the Trust click here and if you're interested in becoming a Green Champion please drop Aniko an email here