Dr Katrina Davies

I've been a GP with an interest in older people's care for 25 years which lead to a Masters Degree in Frailty and Integrated Care from Keele Uni in 2023. For 4 years I've also been a director of the not-for-profit Greener Practice Community Interest Company (https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/), the UK's primary care sustainability network, and this year I've become an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur. Past roles include Solihull CCG clinical lead for frailty and Solihull OPAL GP (Older Person's Assessment and Liaison). 

Having asked why there was nothing on the BGS website about greener healthcare after the launch of Greener NHS in 2020, I was invited to co-lead the first sustainability group at the BGS with Mark Stewart and Dr Bethan Davies. I did my Masters dissertation with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, having realised that when it's done well, the care of older people aligns beautifully with sustainable healthcare principles, through prevention of ill health and health promotion, reducing the risk of falls and fractures, reducing unnecessary polypharmacy with iatrogenic (and environmental) harms, promotion of physical activity, strength and mobility for healthier independent living, use of social prescribing to foster self-care, reduce loneliness and increase connectivity with nature, and the widespread adoption of stream-lined MDT approach to holistic, proactive, person-centred care in the community. Greener care aligns with the 10 year plan yet is hardly mentioned.

Since my first role at the BGS I have held multiple other local, regional and national climate leadership roles. I've given countless presentations at national and local conferences, medical schools, to GPs and trainees, primary care staff, and ICB boards about the multiple benefits of sustainable healthcare, planetary health, and how we can each play a role in mitigation and adaption at work and at home. It's an exciting place to be!