Modern healthcare is dependent on oil as a raw material for medicines and supplies, for transport and for power back-ups.  In 2007-8, the Great Western Ambulance Service alone made 315,399 patient journeys.  Increases in oil and fuel prices would strain existing NHS budgets and care models; the NHS spends some £20 billion a year on supplies and a mere 5% increase in costs would require an extra £1bn from the budget which, in turn, may lead to a reduction in services. 

As well as existing contingency planning, options lie in less energy & resource- intensive models of healthcare, as acknowledged by the current NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy. Measures would include renewable energy generation at hospitals and clinics; alternatives to fossil fuels for vehicles and travel planning for health service staff; provision of care closer to people's homes and workplaces; and a greater focus on preventative care.

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local health - local links

Modern health care is dependent on oil as a raw material for medicines and supplies, for transport and for power back-ups. Local solutions will be key to its success, as well as encouraging healthy lifestyles as a positive form of preventative medicine.

• Green medicine

  Green Medicine is a Knowle West Carbon Makeover campaign -  promoting a different way of thinking about illness. We don't always need to visit a doctor or a chemist for many common ailments; sometimes the answer might be growing in our own back gardens.
www.green-medicine.org.uk
• Herbal medicine

  Find out about herb walks, herb workshops and the Bristol Herbal project
www.maxdrake.co.uk
• The Knowle West Health Park

  The Knowle West Health Park promotes health and well-being. It aims to provide high quality services to prevent illness, promote good health and assist recovery after medical treatment.
www.knowlewesthealthpark.co.uk
• Local choirs

  Singing together is a fantastic way to energise and refresh yourself, lift your spirits and reduce your stress levels. Singing also has proven benefits for those with respiratory, memory and circulation problems. Here are just a few local choirs:
  North Bristol Well Being Choir - www.bristol.gov.uk/wellbeingchoir
  Bristol Voices - www.bristolvoices.org.uk
  Gasworks Choir - www.gasworkschoir.co.uk
  People of Note - www.nickomoandrasullah.com
  Gathering Voices / World Roots - http://gatheringvoices.org.uk/worldroots.htm
• Walking for health in Bristol

  There are loads of different walking groups out there - for a comprehensive list go to:
www.bristol.gov.uk/walking