Ghanaian medical professional who relocated to UK wins national award

Ghanaian nurse making waves in the UK, Ebenezer Akore Yeboah, has been celebrated for his groundbreaking research on reducing carbon emissions within the National Health Service (NHS).

The accolade, bestowed by the UK government, recognizes Yeboah’s dedication to environmental sustainability in healthcare.

Yeboah’s doctoral research, spotlighted by the BBC, delved into strategies to curb the NHS’s carbon footprint.

His study revealed that a significant portion of England’s carbon emissions—around 4%—stemmed from NHS activities.

By addressing issues like single-use plastic waste, efficient waste management, and energy consumption, Yeboah’s work underscored the vital role healthcare professionals play in combating climate change.

At his post in University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, where he serves as an emergency department nurse and a PhD researcher at Coventry University, Yeboah engaged in a global study involving 500 individuals across 56 nations.

His efforts earned recognition from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), culminating in an invitation to an international conference.

Reflecting on his journey, Yeboah expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded in the UK. “It’s been a beautiful journey—the UK is a land of opportunity,” he remarked. “In Ghana, I read about the RCN in textbooks, and now I’m part of it and have won a national award.”

“When people are displaced by situations created by climate change, health professionals are the ones to look after them and when we are doing that we are adding to the carbon footprint,” he is quoted to have said by the BBC.

“It’s been a beautiful journey – the UK is a land of opportunity when I look at how much I’ve been able to achieve in just over two years.”

He added, “In Ghana, I read about the RCN in textbooks and now I’m part of it and have won a national award”.

His work not only highlights the importance of sustainability in healthcare but also advocates for comprehensive training and eco-conscious practices among healthcare providers.