The Southern Health and Social Care Trust received bronze level in the Business and Biodiversity Charter. This makes it the first trust in Northern Ireland to achieve the award.

Business in the Community and Ulster Wildlife deliver the charter as a framework for organisations to engage with biodiversity. The Trust earned the recognition for steps to improve its environmental impact and increase biodiversity.

The Trust now has a procedure to raise staff awareness and provide training on biodiversity at work and home.

Actions include installing bird nesting boxes and working with the Woodland Trust to plant 3,000 trees at St Luke’s Hospital. Staff and service users planted a sunflower field on the Bannvale site.

Other efforts involve supporting no mow May, the Lurgan Hospital garden project, and identifying areas like South Tyrone Hospital to mow grass less and grow wildflowers.

Catherine Marks, Director of Finance and Estates at the Southern Trust, stated the organisation supports a healthcare system that prioritises people and the environment. She commended the estates team and staff for sustainability efforts amid daily challenges. Marks noted projects provide health and wellbeing benefits through outdoor green areas for exercise, rest, and recovery. She said the award assures patients, clients, visitors, and staff of the Trust’s environmental commitment and sets a path to silver status.