Our Green Plan

Surrey Physio is committed minimising the environmental impact of its activities. We are concerned about climate change. Over the last few years, it has been hard not to notice varying weather patterns, unusual and extreme temperatures, an increase in storms and wildfires, and evidence of depleting ice caps. We want to do our bit to support the environment, reduce our carbon footprint, and showcase ourselves as a carbon literate healthcare company. Climate is a team sport.

Our goal is to be the UK’s leading green physiotherapy group.

1. Reduce Energy Consumption

Surrey Physio have replaced traditional lighting with more energy-efficient LED lighting. Whenever possible, we make use of natural light by optimising window placement and using light-colored frosting on windows to allow more natural light in.

Equipment should be been turned off or placed in standby mode.

Heating and Cooling: We’ve installed energy efficient boilers and air source heat pumps. We’ve installed programmable thermostats, and improved insulation. Where air source heat pumps are not practical or possible, we have sought to install “green” boilers that are much more energy efficient than previously. We’ve looked at insulation to improve our insulation at our clinics.

2. Management of Waste

At Surrey Physio we were alarmed by the significant issues of waste during COVID-19. We saw evidence of this with bins overflowing, face-masks in the gutter, and a general increase in rubbish in the streets. As a result, since the pandemic has stopped, we’ve decided to reduce single-Use Items and use refillable products. We’ve reduced our usage of throw-away cleaning towel paper.

In addition, clinics should set up recycling bins specifically for paper, plastic, and other recyclables. Guarantee the secure disposal of e-waste (like old therapy machines).

At Surrey Physio, we also recognised the large amount of paper waste created from couch rolls. We asked all our physios to try to minimise the use of waste couch roll and to use the minimum amount necessary.

In addition, we’ve tried to encourage patients to bring their own towels. If more patients could bring in a towel to lie on, it would save cleaning the treatment tables so frequently, and also less couch roll wastage. We include this information in our emails to patients when they book with us.

3. Recycling

We made a big push to improve our recycling. We split bins at our clinics to easily separate plastic and paper. We stopped putting recycled paper into plastic bin bags, and simply emptied them straight to the main recycling bins. We re-used printed paper that did not have confidential information on it.

4. Water Conservation

We made a strong commitment to reduce water use. Any new toilets or showerheads would have to be water efficient on our premises. Any reports of leaks are addressed quickly. We now have a tradesman who supports us with any drainage issues.

5. Supply Chain

We have addressed supply chain sustainability by:

  • Sourcing products locally where possible.
  • Requesting companies to reduce their packaging especially with excess cardboard or plastic.
  • Supporting eco-friendly suppliers.
  • Use recycled materials as much as possible.

6. Consumables

We want to reduce the number of consumables we use:

  • Reduce hand gel and encourage soap and water to wash hands.
  • Reduce anti-bac spray usage.
  • Any anti-bac spray usage will now be Ocean Saver.
  • Stop using any wet wipes for cleaning / disinfecting treatment tables.
  • Use refillable bottles where possible.
  • We’ve replaced all plastic cups with paper cups for our water dispensers.
  • All water dispensers are plumbed, without the need for large plastic bottles.

7. Digital Care and Support / Telehealth

As part of improving our commitment to climate change, we have also increased the use of our digital provision. Through our software, Rehab My Patient, there have been over 4,500,000 exercise plans emailed to patients. We also offer TeleRehab where people can rehabilitate online without needing to travel to a clinic.

8. Green Transportation

Through our cycle to work scheme, we now fund the capital purchases of bicycles. In 2023, we funded over £5000 buying bicycles for our staff. We encourage staff to car-share, and take public transport where possible.

We have also opened up new locations in strategic positions close to public transport, such as our new clinic in Balham which was purposely chosen due to its very close proximity to Clapham South tube station.

9. Training and Support to Staff

We always find that it’s one thing making a decision at a board level or senior management team level, but the challenge is to filter this down to our clinical and admin teams at Surrey Physio. We use WhatsApp as a good way to communicate changes to the team. Our clinical leads are also encouraged to help support their teams. Leads filter the information from senior management to their teams. We also use an intranet to update policies and information for staff.