A team from the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been named as finalists at this year’s Nursing Times Awards.
The Nursing Times Awards recognise and celebrate excellence within the nursing and midwifery professions across the UK.
The Quality Nursing Team at NHS Black Country ICB has been shortlisted for the Sustainability in Nursing and Midwifery Award for their project “Greener Care and Sustainability in Care Homes”. This initiative supports care homes to adopt eco-friendly practices while improving the wellbeing of residents.
The project began as part of the Greener Nursing & Midwifery Clinical Transformation System Leads 90-Day Challenge. With support from the Regional Nursing and Midwifery Sustainability Network, it focused on care homes in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton that are using low-carbon approaches to care.
More than 20 care homes were selected to take part in the project for actively embedding greener practices into their day-to-day operations. The project explored a range of sustainability efforts, from energy-saving systems and waste reduction to the creation of green spaces and intergenerational gardening activities with local schools that support mental wellbeing.
Many of the care homes introduced eco-friendly behaviours such as recycling, replanting, and biodiversity initiatives. They also adopted technologies including digital care records, solar panels, and smart heating systems, all contributing to a reduced environmental impact.
Rani Virk, Quality Improvement Lead Nurse at the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how sustainability can be meaningfully embedded into everyday care.
“By focusing on what matters most to residents, including wellbeing, connection, and a healthier environment, we’ve shown that greener care is not only possible, but essential.
“It’s been inspiring to see how engaged and innovative the care homes have been, and we’re incredibly proud to be recognised at a national level.”
The project shows how sustainable care can benefit both people and the environment. By bringing together eco-friendly practices, improved resident wellbeing, and stronger connections with local communities, it offers a complete approach to care. It also highlights how care homes can lead the way in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UK’s goal of reaching net zero.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “Being shortlisted for a national Nursing Times Award is a huge honour and a real testament to the ambition and collaboration we see every day across the Black Country.
“This work highlights the leadership of our nursing and care home colleagues in driving forward the sustainability agenda and shows how we’re delivering care that supports both people and the planet.
“We’re extremely proud of everyone involved.”
The winner of the Sustainability in Nursing and Midwifery Award will be announced during the Nursing Times Awards 2025 ceremony, taking place on Wednesday 22 October 2025 in London.
