General practice can demonstrate leadership by being an agent of change, understanding that sustainability is part of primary care’s ethos as it aligns with quality care, continuity of care and preventative care. From the waiting room and consulting space through to the broader community, GPs have an important role in environmental health advocacy that supports our physical and mental health.
Achieving sustainability requires not just a consideration of energy use or waste, but also a fundamental re-evaluation of the purpose and practice of medicine, including a greater focus on prevention.
With 80% of Australians visiting their GP at least once a year, primary care has an important role in advocacy. Doctors, as one of the most trusted professions, can be influential by being role models for change.
The practice ethos of sustainability can extend to the waiting room and throughout the practice, where it is reflected in all activities, from waiting room posters to the availability of bike racks to support active transport.
The 2019 Western Australian Sustainable Health Review highlighted that without intervention, health spending was projected to approach 38% of the State budget by 2026–27.19 The current system is unsustainable across a range of metrics.
