Health Care Without Harm Europe

Introduction

HCWH Europe exists to create a sustainable healthcare sector in Europe. Underpinning our vision and mission is a recognition that environmental issues have a direct impact on the health of human populations, and yet healthcare providers are major contributors to environmental harm. The healthcare sector therefore has a unique role to play in addressing the health impacts caused by poor environmental quality in Europe.

Organisational Development

HCWH Europe is a growing and thriving NGO, increasingly financially sustainable and a diverse membership network across Europe engaged in policy development, innovation, and practical action on healthcare sustainability.

Network Development

Our programmatic work is delivered in a holistic and coordinated way through cross-cutting action networks, forming our main implementation channels in Europe:

• Global Green & Healthy Hospitals – creating sustainable healthcare environments
• Sustainable Healthcare Leaders’ Networks – engaging healthcare professionals and leaders in sustainability advocacy and action
• Healthcare Market Transformation Network – leveraging the economic influence of the sector through public procurement and market dialogue to reduce pollution, GHG emissions, and boost circularity

Climate-smart healthcare

Creating a net-zero healthcare sector in Europe, supporting healthcare professionals to advocate for climate action, and improving climate resilience through the adoption of climate resilience strategies, policies, and investment.

Circular healthcare

Reducing the consumption of plastic items in healthcare and phasing out toxic chemicals and additives commonly found in medical devices (phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, PVC).

Safer pharma

Reducing pharmaceutical pollution to tackle AMR through the adoption of more responsible antibiotic prescription practices, promoting responsible use and disposal practices among the public, and advocating for more responsible use of antimicrobials in animal farming.