BlueCare leads aged care sector on climate change action

UnitingCare Queensland has finished 2020 on a high after taking out a Silver Climate Leadership Award in the Health Care Without Harm international Health Care Climate Challenge for the second year running.

UnitingCare Queensland Manager Environmental Sustainability, Judene Andrews said the win recognises work currently underway at BlueCare to manage the health impacts of climate change-mediated extreme heat events on older people in the community and in residential aged care homes.

“Many of the people we serve — the elderly and people experiencing financial hardship or chronic illness — are disproportionately impacted by extreme weather events and heatwaves, so we are committed to supporting climate resilience as well as preserving a healthy environment by reducing our own carbon footprint.

“We are grateful to have received funding from the Queensland Government to pilot an industry-led model for community outreach during heatwave events, and to partner with the University of Sunshine Coast University and Griffith University to reduce heat stress among aged care residents at our Bli Bli and Caloundra aged care homes through green infrastructure.”

Launched at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, the Health Care Climate Challenge Awards recognise health care institutions that are working to protect public health by taking action on climate change. To date, more than 300 institutions representing the interests of over 22,000 hospitals and health centres from more than 35 countries have participated to create meaningful environmental change.