Staff at Newcastle Hospitals are being encouraged to look after their health and wellbeing along with the environment thanks to funding from NHS Charities Together.
Formed in May 2018, in collaboration with local conservation groups, the Newcastle Hospitals Green Gym provides an opportunity for staff at Newcastle Hospitals to improve their physical activity levels and wellbeing through direct involvement with local conservation activities.
With funding from NHS Charities Together the group is now able to expand and welcome a part time coordinator to support and promote the work of group, whilst helping to identify new and exciting projects.
Not a traditional gym, Green Gym offers fun and free outdoor sessions where members undertake conservation activities across the region, guiding members in practical activities such as beach cleans, planting trees and hedgerows, and creating new habitats.
Finalists in Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s inaugural Celebrating Excellence Awards in 2019, the group was co-founded by Dr Suren Kanagasundaram, Consultant Nephrologist and clinical lead for the Haemodialysis Service at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. As well as interests in dialysis and acute kidney injury, Suren is active in sustainable healthcare at both Trust and national levels.
Along with co-founders, Toni Poole, the nursing lead for Peritoneal Dialysis at the Trust, and Steve Lowe, from Northumberland Rivers Trust, Suren and the team have developed a strong community of like-minded individuals, friends and families who want to make a difference.
“We are very excited to welcome our new coordinator to help us with this important mission of supporting both the wellbeing of our colleagues and the environment. Whether you are staff, family or friends, join us and help to protect nature and create a legacy to last at Green Gym.”
To find out more about Newcastle Hospitals Green Gym email [email protected] or follow Green Gym activities on Twitter at @NatureConnectNE
