For Earth Day 2024, BC Renal is highlighting a few new and ongoing initiatives and resources aimed at reducing waste and improving the health of the planet while continuing to ensure the best possible care for British Columbians living with kidney disease. 

Learning from BC nurses 

 
We’re pleased to share a research abstract recently published in the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, led by BC Renal’s Sarah Thomas and co-authored by Anita Kennett, Claire Fullerton and Helen Boyd: Nephrology Nurses: Essential Professionals in Sustainable Kidney Care. The abstract outlines ways nephrology nurses can expand duty of care to the environment and incorporate sustainability into their work. 
 

Strategic planning and knowledge sharing 

 
As previously announced, planetary health is one of the foundational principles of BC Renal’s 2023-2028 strategic action plan, which means we’re prioritizing ways we can apply environmental sustainability across our organization and the network. Dr. Caroline Stigant is leading our efforts through her role as Medical Lead, Planetary Health, and is excited to be making a difference. Health professionals and patient partners can register to see her present a webinar on April 26 as part of the Province Wide Rounds series. 
 

Step-by-step guides for renal programs 

You can learn about additional initiatives and resources on our Planetary Health web page, including step-by-step guides (“playbooks”) developed by the Canadian academic collaboration CASCADES: 

• Sustainable Kidney Care playbook 
• Navigating biomedical waste management policies for sustainability playbook 
• Integrating Sustainability into Healthcare Quality Improvement Education playbook