Finalist
ICS Clean Air Partnership
Summary of work
Air pollution is not just a public health crisis, it's a social justice issue that affects the most vulnerable communities. The impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, lung conditions and stroke are exacerbated by poor air quality, causing a staggering 36,000 premature deaths annually in England alone. What's more, NCDs and poor air quality disproportionately affect those in the lowest socio-economic groups, perpetuating the existing inequalities in our society. Urgent action is required.
The ICS Clean Air Partnership comprised of pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim UK & Ireland, the UK’s leading environmental change charity Global Action Plan and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust came together to develop a solution. Together, with WE Communications’ integral support and through the pioneering pilot project driven forward by Newcastle Hospitals, they developed the groundbreaking ICS Clean Air Framework that any Integrated Care System (ICS) can use, free of charge, to improve air quality and ultimately health in its community.
The ICS Clean Air Partnership aims to directly address the threat of air pollution to health, vulnerable communities and the environment by not only highlighting the issue but empowering leaders to take action.
Judges’ comments
The ICS Clean Air Partnership project was really impressive with evident longevity. It has a realistic and smart approach and set the groundwork for subsequent projects. It was a really interesting initiative with clear partnerships.
