This Clean Air Day, Thursday, 19 June 2025, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is proud to shine a light on two key green initiatives we’ve embraced this year. Our support for No Idling and No Mow May. These meaningful actions are helping us to improve air quality, support biodiversity, and protect the health of our patients, staff, and local community.
Saying no to engine idling
As part of a regional effort alongside Northumbria Healthcare, Newcastle Hospitals, and the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), Gateshead Health has signed a joint No Idling Statement. We’re asking everyone, whether you’re a member of staff, a visitor, a delivery driver or an ambulance crew, to turn off your engine when stationary on our sites unless it’s essential for cooling, heating, or medical equipment.
Idling engines release harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, which can exacerbate breathing problems and heart conditions, particularly for our most vulnerable patients. Clean Air Day provides an opportunity to focus on simple steps we can all take to reduce pollution and protect one another’s health.
You’ll soon see new signs and posters around the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, reminding everyone to help us keep the air clean by switching off their engines. We’re also working closely with QE Facilities (QEF) to reduce idling on our park-and-ride service and exploring the possibility of switching more fleet vehicles to electric in the future.
Letting nature breathe: No Mow May
In May, we also took part in No Mow May, a national campaign encouraging organisations and individuals to let grass grow wild for a few weeks. Across several areas of our hospital grounds, we paused mowing to allow wild plants and flowers to flourish.
This simple step helps pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, thrive and supports biodiversity right here on our doorstep. As a healthcare provider, we understand how closely connected environmental well-being is to human health. Cleaner air and a thriving natural environment both play vital roles in long-term well-being.
A greener future, together
These actions are part of our broader commitment to sustainability and to working collaboratively across the Integrated Care System (ICS) to improve health outcomes. By promoting clean air and restoring natural spaces, we’re taking practical steps to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the quality of life for everyone who comes through our doors.
We want to thank our staff, partners, and the public for your ongoing support as we continue this journey towards a healthier, greener Gateshead.
Want to help?
- If you’re waiting in your car, please switch off your engine.
- Think about leaving the lawnmower in the shed for a few weeks next May.
- Follow us on social media for more Clean Air Day tips and updates.
Together, we can make every breath count.
https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/no-idling-regional-statement/