Mayo University Hospital among first to receive prestigious award

The Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital has been awarded Bronze Accreditation as part of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s GreenED initiative. 

The award recognises the team’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative waste-reduction practices in one of the hospital’s busiest clinical areas. 

The ED at Mayo University Hospital, alongside University Hospital Galway, are among the first emergency departments in Ireland to receive this prestigious accreditation.

Key sustainability initiatives implemented at the ED in MUH over the past year include enhancing recycling systems and correct bin usage, delivering a comprehensive staff training programme, transitioning to 100 percent recycled paper and implementing targeted waste-reduction strategies.

Ann Shortt, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and lead for the Mayo ED Sustainability initiative, said: “Sustainability isn’t always easy in such a dynamic setting, but our team has shown how powerful small changes can be. This award celebrates the dedication and teamwork behind every effort.”

The ED’s sustainability efforts form part of MUH’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and the HSE’s national goals for a greener healthcare system. 

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Caroline Lally, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner, ED at MUH, expressed her pride in leading by example: “Looking ahead, the Emergency Department at MUH remains dedicated to further advancing sustainable healthcare initiatives, enhancing resource efficiency and strengthening its role in environmental stewardship." 

Catherine Donohoe, Hospital Manager at Mayo University Hospital, extended her congratulations to the Emergency Department on achieving Bronze accreditation through the GreenED initiative: “This achievement recognises the team’s commitment, innovation and leadership in embedding environmentally responsible practices within a demanding clinical environment, while delivering positive benefits for the hospital and supporting a safer, more sustainable setting for patients and staff.”