STAFF at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital had the chance to sign up for a greener future at the first NHS Sustainability Day.

They were invited to Do One Thing in April by pledging to make a difference, for example by cycling or walking into work or switching off lights at the end of the day.

They could also buy a reusable mug giving them an automatic discount in the restaurant, recycle old mobile phones and think about changing the way they journey to and from work, or between different NHS sites.

Laura Skinner, who was appointed the trust’s sustainability manager last June, explained: “We’re looking at ways of making the hospital more efficient. We’re looking at ways it can save energy, reduce waste and encourage more recycling.

“People come to me with ideas and several departments have asked me to come and tell them how to make their own areas more sustainable.”

The trust is already saving more than £20,000 a year through installing power-saving software on personal computers.

Other initiatives include a scheme offering staff a short term loan from a range of bikes, with four electric ones.

The trust has invested in new secure bike racks, improved shower and changing facilities, set up a “buddy” scheme for people cycling or walking to work, and a new online car share scheme for employees.

Catering manager Terry Reeves explained that the department used mainly locally-sourced and seasonal food. By switching from plastic to compostable packaging, last year the trust diverted 11.3 tonnes that would previously have gone to landfill.