Alder Hey hospital leads UK plan to plant 1.3m trees; Forest 'the size of 2,500 soccer pitches'.Byline: LIZA WILLIAMS A NATIONAL scheme to create forests the size of 2,500 football pitches is being launched in Liverpool today. A total of 1.3m trees will be planted across the UK as part of NHS NHS abbr. National Health Service NHS (in Britain) National Health Service Forest - representing a sapling for every employee in the organisation. The first tree in the scheme is being donated by the children of Mount Pleasant Primary School in Wirral to Alder Hey Hospital. The ceremony today will see the school become the first official "friend" of the new Alder Hey Children's Health Children's Health Definition Children's health encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. Park, scheduled to open in 2014. Alder Hey is working closely with the Forestry Commission The Forestry Commission (established in 1919) is a non-ministerial Government Department responsible for forestry in Great Britain. Its mission is to protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. to create the new pounds 288m hospital, which will be surrounded by parkland and play areas. The scheme is currently being assessed by health bodies before its submission to the Department of Health. The aim of NHS Forest is to plant trees in or around hospitals the length and breadth of the country - with the forest becoming a focal point focal point n. See focus. of mature trees during the NHS centenary celebrations in 2048. The NHS is one of the biggest carbon generators in the UK. The forest, when it starts to reach maturity in 20 years time, will reduce the services' carbon footprint by 10%. Patients, relatives and staff will be encouraged to participate in the project by having trees planted as a thank you to the NHS. Louise Shepherd, Chief Executive of Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust NHS Foundation Trusts (often referred to as "foundation hospitals") are hospitals which are part of the National Health Service in England. Function They have a significant amount of managerial and financial freedom when compared to existing NHS Trust. said: "We realised a long time ago at Alder Hey that green areas and a parkland environment are crucial as part of the recovery process for children. "That is why our ambitious plan for a new Alder Hey will see the hospital in the middle of a public park where our young patients will be able to play and enjoy open space. "The NHS Forest is a fantastic opportunity to create trees and natural environments around our hospitals. "I am sure it will capture the imagination of the general public. "We are delighted Alder Hey has been chosen for the launch of the NHS Forest." The Campaign for Greener Healthcare is working with the Forestry Commission, the Woodland Trust, Natural England, the Sustainable Development Unit and others to develop the NHS Forest. It will identify areas where trees and woodlands can be created in or close to NHS sites. |
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