Working together to reduce outdoor air pollution, risks and inequalities
This guidance intends to support NHS Wales to make a valuable contribution to collective efforts to reduce air pollution, risks, and health inequalities across Wales.
The Welsh Government and Public Health Wales are committed to improving outdoor air quality in Wales, but it is clear we face significant challenges in doing so. NHS Wales has a vital role to play, and this guidance demonstrates how NHS policy and practice can support collective air quality management efforts across Wales. The guidance complements existing responsibilities and seeks to encourage different ways of working and actions to reduce air pollution. Four important principles are identified to help to support, influence, communicate, and champion air quality improvement within and beyond the NHS. The guidance supports our commitment in our national strategy, Prosperity for All, to build healthier communities and better environments by reducing emissions and delivering vital improvements in our air quality. It also highlights how this work relates directly to the principles and requirements of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Alongside this guidance, the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales will continue to demonstrate the importance attached to improving air quality by undertaking a focused programme of work and research. This includes the recent publication of new Welsh Government air quality policy guidance which recognises schools and active travel routes as key locations for action, along with other places including hospitals, care homes, nurseries, and sports grounds. The guidance also explains that older people, those with chronic illnesses, children, and people undertaking prolonged physical activity all deserve the same level of protection wherever they may be. With a focus on protecting the health of our future generations, special consideration is encouraged in relation to the long-term risks to children posed by air pollution. The new policy guidance therefore requires local authorities to take a risk-based approach to air pollution assessment and management and, working with the support of other public bodies (including the NHS) and the public, complement targeted local intervention with universal action that seeks to reduce air pollution and the associated risks for all in Wales.
NHS Wales has an important contribution to make to reduce air pollution impacts. To support this approach, a programme of work has been set out by Welsh Government. This includes the provision of a range of information materials that can help inform staff and the public about risks associated with poor air quality and what steps they can take to alleviate the problem. The air we breathe is an important everyday necessity that we may take for granted. Air quality management is a key public health priority which we must all recognise. Integrated action to improve air quality needs to be taken locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Together, we must all recognise this need and take action, individually and collectively, at work and during our everyday lives.