Q & A
We talk to the only occupational therapist on the 2023 / 24 NHS Chief Sustainability Officer ’ s Clinical Fellow Scheme , to find out more about this unique role .
The NHS Chief Sustainability Officer ’ s Clinical Fellow Scheme offers clinicians with a passion for sustainability a unique opportunity to embed net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care – with the aim of improving health now and for generations to come .”
Q & A
Q & A with Jacqueline Gordon
We talk to the only occupational therapist on the 2023 / 24 NHS Chief Sustainability Officer ’ s Clinical Fellow Scheme , to find out more about this unique role .
To support a new generation of clinical leaders in environmental sustainability , the Chief Sustainability Officer established a clinical fellowship scheme , managed by the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management .
The NHS Chief Sustainability Officer ’ s Clinical Fellow Scheme offers clinicians with a passion for sustainability a unique opportunity to embed net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care – with the aim of improving health now and for generations to come .
Jacqueline Gordon is one of the 2023 / 24 fellows and here she tells us more about why she applied for the scheme and what she hopes to achieve .
Q
A
Congratulations on your fellowship , can you tell us something about yourself , your background and career to date ?
I trained as an occupational therapist as a postgraduate , after doing a general arts degree and then working in overseas development . I came home to train at the Royal London Hospital ( the course is now at the Southbank ), worked in social services initially when I qualified , then went into paediatrics .
I have worked in schools , clinics , nurseries and hospitals , with a short breaks team , and with neonates – so from pre-birth to transition – and most recently in acute neurosciences at Great Ormond Street Hospital .
Q
A
Why did you apply to the 2023 / 24 Chief Sustainability Officer ’ s Fellowship scheme ?
The fellowship provides leadership training and opportunities to learn how to shape and improve services with sustainability in mind . When I heard about the scheme it seemed to combine all my interests , so I applied and was delighted to get the opportunity to work in sustainability in healthcare full time .
A few years ago , I joined the ‘ Green Champions ’ at work scheme and met people from all parts of the organisation – administration , IT and clinicians from all areas wanting to reduce waste and make a better NHS .
In the workstream looking at care pathways and improvement , I learned from others . Encouraged by these colleagues , I stood as a staff governor and was elected , which gave me interesting insights into how organisations work at a senior executive level .
This also allowed me to raise the issue of sustainability in all areas of strategy and operational management . As I had enjoyed all these extra bits of work very much , I thought the clinical
The NHS Chief Sustainability Officer ’ s Clinical Fellow Scheme offers clinicians with a passion for sustainability a unique opportunity to embed net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care – with the aim of improving health now and for generations to come .”
48 OTnews February 2024