Our Roadmap to 2030
Preparing the healthcare sector for a changing climate
SWM is a leading expert nationally in supporting healthcare organisations understand and prepare for the risks to health and healthcare from a changing climate. We have developed official NHS England guidance, training programmes and climate change risk assessments and adaptation plans for healthcare organisations.
SWM is uniquely placed to provide support to healthcare organisations
Climate change has serious consequences for both public health and effective delivery of healthcare. The risks and potential consequences are recognised in the third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (UKCCRA3), summarised in the health and social care briefing produced by SWM in 2021. Understanding, anticipating and adapting to these new challenges is essential to developing a more climate-resilient healthcare sector.
Although we are rooted in the West Midlands, our work supports organisations across the UK to become more sustainable, resilient and ready for climate change.
Considerable track record
Working with healthcare organisations providing direct support on adaptation and sustainability
Policy and practice expertise
A deep understanding of NHS policy and structures as well as adaptation policy and practice
Extensive network
A strong network of contacts within the NHS at Trust, System and regional level, and good relationships with central Government
National role in adaptation
We play a key role in the national Maximising Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Hub, accelerating adaptation progress across the UK
Find out more about our adaptation support for the healthcare sector…
If you are interested in working with us, contact us to request our product brochure to learn more about our offering.
SWM have produced a range of freely available resources on adaptation for healthcare organisations. Access these on our resources page.
Two training courses are available to help build capability for adaptation in the NHS. Find out more on our adaptation training page.
How we can help you
A Climate Change Risk Assessment for your organisation or system
- Compatible with the NHS England (NHSE) CCRA Template.
- Using up-to-date climate and impact data and stakeholder input.
- Assessing short- and long-term risks on community health, clinical and non-clinical services.
A Climate Change Adaptation Plan for your organisation or system
- Produced in line with NHSE policy and guidance, including the Climate Adaptation Framework and your own priorities and requirements.
- Sets out key actions to build your adaptive capacity and improve resilience.
- Clear, actionable recommendations each prioritised based on resource, urgency and other factors informed by your circumstances.
An Adaptation Maturity Assessment
- Using the Climate Adaptation Framework, co-developed by SWM and adopted by NHSE.
- Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement and recommendations of next steps.
Adaptation Workshops, Webinars or Training
- Bespoke workshops for your target audience in a desired format.
- Engagement ensuring any output is truly co-created with those who know the area best.
- Delivering existing training – see Adaptation Capability Training for more information.
“Protecting the NHS from the impacts of climate change is a crucial focus in the UK today. The resources developed by SWM and Verture for this project are instrumental in guiding the NHS on its adaptation journey.”
Neil Cartwright, NHS England (North East Yorkshire and Humber)
“SWM brought the expertise, insight and structure needed to drive this work forwards, including an understanding of the complexities of the healthcare system essential to the project’s success.“
Gemma Heath, Salisbury Foundation Trust and Chelsey Green, Great Western Hospitals on behalf of The Group’s Sustainability teams.
“We greatly welcome the collaborative approach taken by SWM and Verture. Their proactive stakeholder engagement at every stage, combined with their technical expertise, has resulted in outputs that are both relevant and accessible.“
Claire Igoe, NHS Greater Manchester ICB and Clare Macintosh, NHS England (North West)
Case studies of our work with healthcare organisations
Somerset Integrated Care System: Adapting the NHS to Climate Change
SWM have supported Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Somerset Foundation Trust to develop a climate change risk assessment and adaptation plan for Somerset Integrated Care System.
11 Nov 2025
Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Hospitals Group: Adapting the NHS to Climate Change
SWM have supported Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Integrated Care System (ICS) to develop a climate change risk assessment and adaptation plan for the Hospitals Group.
06 Jun 2025
NHS England: Developing adaptation capability of the NHS in England: Phase 2 2025
Following on from Phase 1, SWM and Verture supported NHSE regional teams to develop the adaptatoin capability of NHS organisations, improving and delivering the training developed as part of the project the previous year.
17 Apr 2025
NHS England: Developing adaptation capability of the NHS in England: Phase 1 2024
NHSE North West, NHSE North East & Yorkshire, and NHS Greater Manchester (GM) teamed up with Sustainability West Midlands and Verture, consulting and engaging staff across the NHS to develop resources on adaptation.
10 Dec 2024
Adapt to Survive: A Tool for Building Resilience to Climate Change into Health Care Systems
A toolkit and suite of resources to help NHS Trusts, ICSs and other healthcare organisations kick-start or further develop their work on climate change risks and impacts, and plan and deliver adaptation to manage these for a resilient healthcare system.
13 Dec 2023
Find out more
Contact SWM’s Project Manager, Morgan Roberts, to request a product brochure or discuss in more detail how we can help you produce an adaptation plan and associated works for health and healthcare in your area.