"Green-minded" Huntly occupational therapist embodies sustainability aims for NHS Grampian
Published: 09/12/2024 09:08A Huntly-based community rehab occupational therapist is being recognised for setting a “gold standard” for staff across NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership to strive for in being more “green-minded.”
Scott Harrison spends his days pounding the streets of Huntly and the surrounding area in shoes he re-soles himself, supporting others to get back on their feet following illness, injury and/or surgery. He often does so on an e-bike it was his idea for staff at Jubilee Hospital to have access to, after cycling to work on his bike from home.
He received the nomination for a Green Star Award from not one but four colleagues who say he inspires them to do their bit.
Reacting to the news, Scott said: “It’s a complete surprise. It’s very nice to be recognised for being a bit of a pain to the team, telling them ‘turn off the lights/screens... make sure you’ve unplugged everything... or why don’t you go for a walk... or cycling is good and things.’ It’s a very nice compliment.
“Being green just seems to make sense to me. Even if you don’t believe in climate change you’re stopping pollutants going into the air in local towns so in a way you’re looking after the local population’s health. You're winning from a saving energy perspective and a cost perspective so it just seems to be common sense to me.
“I enjoy the physical aspect of cycling and walking – it's an easy way of keeping fit. After a long day at work you don’t really want to exercise but if you’ve cycled there or done some walking at work you feel you’ve got some exercise. It’s nice when you hit the golden hour of sunset and the sun is coming through the trees on the way home – it’s just a really nice way of switching off from the stresses of work.
“I promote the e-bike to everybody. It’s like being five years old again – you can’t help but smile!”
Scott was presented with his award by NHS Grampian’s waste manager, Neil Duncan. Neil explained: “If every member of staff did what Scott does, we have the potential to save up to 10% of our carbon emissions and costs just through good housekeeping. That means switching things off and recycling or reducing waste when you can. Those savings could go back into patient care or health promotion and it would help the environment. Our strength is greater in numbers.”
Scott’s colleague, Elsa Szekely, who nominated him along with three other team members, is an occupational therapy support worker in the ward and in the community. She added: “Scott is very passionate about the environment and it’s always infectious when someone feels strongly about something but he actually puts his money where his mouth is. Even when we’re sorting things out, if there’s some files that need disposing of he’ll say ‘oh I’ll strip them back and take them home and make sure they go in the right recycling’. It's become kind of like a culture in the office. There's times when you don’t really feel like doing it but it’s because that culture is there it keeps you motivated.”
In the community, adult health and social care services are provided by a partnership between NHS Grampian and local councils. In Huntly, this means Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership. The Joint Equipment Centre in Inverurie is run by Aberdeenshire Council and is often used by Scott and his team.
Neil added: “The Joint Equipment Centre sets a brilliant example for our teams when it comes to re-use. Up to 80% of equipment is cleaned, repaired if needed and sent back out again, and I know it’s a big asset to community teams. Huge congratulations once again to Scott whose passion for protecting the environment and encouraging his team to follow sets a gold standard example of how we can be more green-minded across Grampian."
NHS Grampian’s Green Star Awards were introduced this year to help recognise the fantastic work colleagues are doing to take action on climate change. Find out more at www.nhsgrampian.org/sustainability.
