Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to be hosting "Care for the future - Delivering the world's first net zero health service" - a unique collection of nine photographs, captured by portrait photographer Justin Lambert, celebrating some of the people and the teams behind the delivery of a net zero NHS.

The exhibition was originally commissioned for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow in November 2021 where it was viewed by political world leaders and their delegations.  Now it is being shown across each of the seven regions of the NHS over the course of 2022 and has made its stop at North Devon District Hospital until 13 July.

One of the exhibits features Jo Harness, an Advanced Occupational Therapist in Rheumatology based in North Devon. She splits her time working in hospital and from home on her barge, delivering remote occupational therapy sessions to patients who might experience discomfort when travelling due to limited mobility. Not only does it remove the need for patients to travel when it may increase their discomfort, it cuts down on unnecessary emissions caused by travel.

Dave Tarbet, Royal Devon Director of Business, Innovation and Sustainability said “As a newly merged organisation we have a wonderful opportunity to learn and adopt new ideas and best practices from both our Eastern and Northern services and staff to create a sustainable health service.

“This exhibition, shown originally at the COP26, provides a fascinating visual insight into real-world sustainably in action. We are proud to be able to exhibit these pictures at North Devon District Hospital.”

As a result of holding 350,000 remote appointments, hospitals across the Integrated Care System in Devon have saved 2,503 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the same as taking 1200 cars off the road for a year.

The exhibition is taking place on Level 2 of North Devon District Hospital until early July and is free to visit.