Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has presented Forth Valley Royal Hospital with a Gold level National Award for Environmental Excellence® – the first hospital to ever receive the highest possible accreditation. The National Award for Environmental Excellence® is the business standard that enables organisations to benchmark their environmental achievements and improvements.

The accolade recognises the continued commitment of NHS Forth Valley staff and Serco staff, who provide facilities management support services at the hospital, in improving environmental management and making its environment safe, clean and welcoming for patients, staff and visitors.

In particular, the award highlights the modern hospital’s achievements in delivering excellence in environmental quality at its facilities and its ongoing commitment to engaging the community and patients – from development of an arts programme in the hospital and working with local schools, to effectively clearing outdoor areas of litter and very well managed waste management practices.

To celebrate, Forth Valley Royal Hospital welcomed Pete Leonard, Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Operations Director, where he presented the award.

Jonathan Procter, Director of Facilities & Infrastructure, NHS Forth Valley said: “We are delighted that Forth Valley Royal Hospital is the first hospital in Scotland to achieve gold in this national award. Our staff are passionate about maintaining high standards so they can provide a clean and caring environment for patients, visitors and staff. It’s brilliant to see that their hard work being recognised with this prestigious award.”

The Environmental Excellence Award scheme is open to companies and organisations throughout Scotland and acts as a benchmark for corporate environmental performance. All entrants are assessed by the Keep Scotland Beautiful Local Environmental Quality Team and can be awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold level.

Tony McLaughlin, Serco Contract Director for Forth Valley Royal Hospital, said: “Whilst the provision of first class Facilities Management services is core to what we do at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Serco’s goal is to ensure that our contribution reaches beyond the boundaries of the hospital and positively impacts on the wider community we serve and are proud to be part of.  This accolade speaks volumes not only about the hard work and commitment of very member of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital team, but also once again highlights the benefits of true partnerships.”

Pete Leonard, Operations Director of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said:

“Keep Scotland Beautiful is working closely with businesses and organisations across Scotland, helping them to take direct action to address local environmental impact. The Environmental Excellence Awards provide an exciting opportunity to assess and recognise their efforts.

“We are delighted with the achievements of Forth Valley Royal Hospital and commend their commitment to areas where they can continue to make improvements. As the first hospital in Scotland to achieve Gold level, we look forward to helping others in the sector meet such high standards.”

Throughout Scotland, over 130 business locations, from shopping centres, leisure and cultural trusts to train stations and ports, have been audited for a National Award for Environmental Excellence. Further information on the awards, and how to enter, can be found at: www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/environmentalexcellenceaward