Greener Practice at leyburn Medical Centre

At Leyburn Medical Practice, we are committed to making a positive difference in our local community — and that includes reducing our environmental impact.

The climate crisis is the greatest public health challenge of our time, and we believe healthcare must lead by example in building a healthier, more sustainable future.

Why it matters

The NHS contributes 5.4% of the UK’s carbon emissions. As a healthcare provider, we recognise our responsibility to act.

That’s why Leyburn Medical Practice is a registered Green Practice, working towards our Bronze Award — a national recognition of our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

Our 10 Greener Pledges

We've made 10 pledges to support a greener future:

1. Cutting down on paper use
• Only print when absolutely necessary
• Prioritise electronic communication (e.g. prescriptions, documents)
• Use double-sided printing whenever possible
2. Reducing single-use plastics
• Use re-usable PPE and sharps bins
• Follow updated clinical guidance to reduce unnecessary glove use
3. Reusing where we can
• Repurpose or donate unused office and medical equipment
4. Recycling across the practice
• Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics
• Support inhaler and medicine packaging recycling via local schemes
5. Prescribing with the planet in mind
• Where clinically appropriate, switch to lower-carbon medication options (e.g. certain inhalers) — one of the most impactful changes we can make
6. Encouraging greener travel
• Promote cycling, walking, and electric vehicle use for staff and patients
• Install bike racks and electric car charging points
7. Smarter waste disposal
• Join local initiatives to reduce carbon and cost through improved disposal practices
8. Joining the Greener Practice movement
• We're proud to be part of a growing network (currently just over 1,000 UK practices) tackling waste and carbon emissions in primary care
• We'll regularly review progress and explore innovative new ideas
9. Greener NHS champions
• Appoint dedicated team members to lead sustainability initiatives within the practice
10. Engaging our community
• Share updates with patients on our progress
• Invite you — our local community — to get involved

Join us in going greener

We believe real change happens when we work together. By making small but meaningful changes in how we work and care for you, we hope to contribute to a healthier future for all.

Have ideas or want to get involved? Please speak to our team or join our Patient Participation Group to share your voice.

At Leyburn Medical Practice, we are committed to making a positive difference in our local community — and that includes reducing our environmental impact.

The climate crisis is the greatest public health challenge of our time, and we believe healthcare must lead by example in building a healthier, more sustainable future.

Why it matters

The NHS contributes 5.4% of the UK’s carbon emissions. As a healthcare provider, we recognise our responsibility to act.

That’s why Leyburn Medical Practice is a registered Green Practice, working towards our Bronze Award — a national recognition of our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

Our 10 Greener Pledges

We've made 10 pledges to support a greener future:

1. Cutting down on paper use
• Only print when absolutely necessary
• Prioritise electronic communication (e.g. prescriptions, documents)
• Use double-sided printing whenever possible
2. Reducing single-use plastics
• Use re-usable PPE and sharps bins
• Follow updated clinical guidance to reduce unnecessary glove use
3. Reusing where we can
• Repurpose or donate unused office and medical equipment
4. Recycling across the practice
• Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics
• Support inhaler and medicine packaging recycling via local schemes
5. Prescribing with the planet in mind
• Where clinically appropriate, switch to lower-carbon medication options (e.g. certain inhalers) — one of the most impactful changes we can make
6. Encouraging greener travel
• Promote cycling, walking, and electric vehicle use for staff and patients
• Install bike racks and electric car charging points
7. Smarter waste disposal
• Join local initiatives to reduce carbon and cost through improved disposal practices
8. Joining the Greener Practice movement
• We're proud to be part of a growing network (currently just over 1,000 UK practices) tackling waste and carbon emissions in primary care
• We'll regularly review progress and explore innovative new ideas
9. Greener NHS champions
• Appoint dedicated team members to lead sustainability initiatives within the practice
10. Engaging our community
• Share updates with patients on our progress
• Invite you — our local community — to get involved

Join us in going greener

We believe real change happens when we work together. By making small but meaningful changes in how we work and care for you, we hope to contribute to a healthier future for all.

Have ideas or want to get involved? Please speak to our team or join our Patient Participation Group to share your voice.

At Leyburn Medical Practice, we are committed to providing high-quality healthcare in a respectful, compassionate, and professional manner. This Patient Charter outlines what you can expect from us, and what we ask of you in return, to ensure the best possible care and experience for everyone.

Our Commitment to You

We will:

1. Provide High-Quality Care

• Offer the best possible medical care, delivered by qualified professionals.
• Ensure care is safe, evidence-based, and meets current clinical standards.

2. Treat You with Respect

• Be courteous, kind, and non-judgemental.
• Treat you as an individual, respecting your dignity, privacy, culture, and preferences.

3. Communicate Clearly

• Provide clear information about your care, treatment options, and medication.
• Offer explanations in a way you understand and involve you in decisions about your care.

4. Maintain Confidentiality

• Protect your personal health information in line with data protection laws.
• Share information only with those involved in your care, unless legally required otherwise.

5. Provide Timely Access

• Offer routine and urgent appointments within a reasonable timeframe.
• Provide information on how to access out-of-hours care when needed.

6. Support Your Wellbeing

• Promote prevention and support self-care wherever appropriate.
• Refer you to specialist services when necessary.

What We Ask From You

Please help us to help you by:

1. Treating Staff with Respect

• Speak to our staff with courtesy – verbal abuse or aggression will not be tolerated.
• Recognise that our team is here to support your health and wellbeing.

2. Attending Appointments Responsibly

• Arrive on time and inform us as early as possible if you need to cancel.
• Understand that missed appointments affect other patients and clinic capacity.

3. Keeping Us Updated

• Let us know if your contact details or medical history change.
• Share accurate and honest information about your symptoms and concerns.

4. Working in Partnership

• Follow agreed treatment plans and seek help if you have difficulty doing so.
• Take an active role in managing your health and follow medical advice when appropriate.

5. Using Services Appropriately

• Use the right service for your needs (e.g., self-care, pharmacy, NHS 111, urgent care).
• Understand that home visits are for those medically unfit to attend the practice.

Feedback and Improvement

We welcome your feedback to help us improve.

• Compliments, suggestions, or complaints can be submitted in person, by phone, by email or through Friends and Family Survey.
• We will handle concerns promptly and professionally, aiming to resolve them quickly and fairly.

Working Together for Better Health

Together, we can build a respectful and trusting relationship that supports your health now and in the future. Thank you for helping us provide a safe, supportive environment for everyone.

At Leyburn Medical Practice, we are committed to providing high-quality healthcare in a respectful, compassionate, and professional manner. This Patient Charter outlines what you can expect from us, and what we ask of you in return, to ensure the best possible care and experience for everyone.

Our Commitment to You

We will:

1. Provide High-Quality Care

• Offer the best possible medical care, delivered by qualified professionals.
• Ensure care is safe, evidence-based, and meets current clinical standards.

2. Treat You with Respect

• Be courteous, kind, and non-judgemental.
• Treat you as an individual, respecting your dignity, privacy, culture, and preferences.

3. Communicate Clearly

• Provide clear information about your care, treatment options, and medication.
• Offer explanations in a way you understand and involve you in decisions about your care.

4. Maintain Confidentiality

• Protect your personal health information in line with data protection laws.
• Share information only with those involved in your care, unless legally required otherwise.

5. Provide Timely Access

• Offer routine and urgent appointments within a reasonable timeframe.
• Provide information on how to access out-of-hours care when needed.

6. Support Your Wellbeing

• Promote prevention and support self-care wherever appropriate.
• Refer you to specialist services when necessary.

What We Ask From You

Please help us to help you by:

1. Treating Staff with Respect

• Speak to our staff with courtesy – verbal abuse or aggression will not be tolerated.
• Recognise that our team is here to support your health and wellbeing.

2. Attending Appointments Responsibly

• Arrive on time and inform us as early as possible if you need to cancel.
• Understand that missed appointments affect other patients and clinic capacity.

3. Keeping Us Updated

• Let us know if your contact details or medical history change.
• Share accurate and honest information about your symptoms and concerns.

4. Working in Partnership

• Follow agreed treatment plans and seek help if you have difficulty doing so.
• Take an active role in managing your health and follow medical advice when appropriate.

5. Using Services Appropriately

• Use the right service for your needs (e.g., self-care, pharmacy, NHS 111, urgent care).
• Understand that home visits are for those medically unfit to attend the practice.

Feedback and Improvement

We welcome your feedback to help us improve.

• Compliments, suggestions, or complaints can be submitted in person, by phone, by email or through Friends and Family Survey.
• We will handle concerns promptly and professionally, aiming to resolve them quickly and fairly.

Working Together for Better Health

Together, we can build a respectful and trusting relationship that supports your health now and in the future. Thank you for helping us provide a safe, supportive environment for everyone.