Practice saves costs… and planet

AT Leichhardt General Practice, staff are discovering online technology can provide benefits that stretch beyond the clinic.

Earlier this year – as part of the Medical Observer Green Campaign – the Sydney practice agreed to participate in a carbon emissions audit run by the Carbon Reduction Institute.

As a result, the practice has since implemented a number of strategies to reduce its carbon footprint. Among them is a greater promotion of OzDocsOnline, an Internet-based service that facilitates online consultations.

“It stops patients coming into the practice unnecessarily, it saves them a car journey,” explained practice manager Tim Wain.

Other strategies to emerge from the audit include changes to more energy-efficient lighting, and lowering the temperature of the gas hot water system, which has already yielded tangible cost savings.

As a result of the audit, the practice is now working towards the goal of signing up to become a carbon-neutral business.

According to practice owner Dr Charles Ovadia, the process has been “fantastic”, and many staff were now implementing changes in their homes and personal lives.

“It really has raised everyone’s awareness on the issues – we even have our patients asking about it now,” he said.