Some of the most meaningful changes taking place in Endoscopy do not begin with a major sustainability strategy. They begin with someone noticing that something could be done differently.
It might be a colleague questioning why something is routinely thrown away, finding a better way to manage stock, improving waste segregation or encouraging a team to reconsider an established way of working.
Individually, these actions can seem small. Across a busy Endoscopy Unit, however, they can change habits, reduce waste and encourage other people to think differently too.
At Omnimed, we believe those people deserve to be recognised. That is why nominations are now open for the Omnimed Sustainability Advocate of the Year 2026 Award.
Celebrating the People Behind Greener Endoscopy
Sustainability within healthcare is a huge subject. Net zero targets, procurement, energy consumption, travel, buildings, waste and supply chains all form part of a much bigger environmental challenge for the NHS. But alongside those larger ambitions are thousands of decisions being made every day by the people working within healthcare. That is where this award is focused.
We are looking for an individual working within UK Endoscopy who has made a genuine contribution to reducing environmental impact and encouraging more sustainable ways of working during 2026.
They could be a nurse, healthcare assistant, housekeeper, administrator, manager, procurement professional, facilities colleague or sustainability lead. Their contribution could be a significant environmental project, or something considerably simpler that has made a practical difference within their department.
Perhaps they have reduced unnecessary waste, improved recycling, changed the way stock is ordered or stored, introduced a greener product or process, reduced unnecessary deliveries, supported a biodiversity project or simply been the person who consistently keeps sustainability part of the conversation.
What matters is that they have taken action.
Small Changes Really Can Make a Difference
Our 2025 Sustainability Advocate of the Year, Kayleigh Orr, demonstrated exactly why recognising these everyday actions matters. Working as a Housekeeper at St Helen’s Hospital Endoscopy Unit, Kayleigh identified practical opportunities to improve stock management, reduce waste and minimise unnecessary deliveries.
Her approach was not about making sustainability complicated. It was about looking carefully at everyday processes, asking whether they could work better and then helping to make those changes happen. That willingness to question established routines is something we see throughout the NHS.
There are people within Endoscopy Units across the country quietly finding better ways to work. Some are leading formal Green Endoscopy projects. Others may never describe what they do as a sustainability initiative at all. Both deserve recognition.
Could Someone in Your Endoscopy Unit Be Our 2026 Advocate?
We want nominations to reflect the breadth of work taking place across UK Endoscopy, so we are deliberately keeping the definition of sustainability broad.
We would love to hear about someone who has found a simple way to reduce waste, improved waste segregation or recycling, reduced unnecessary stock or deliveries, introduced a more sustainable working practice, helped reduce energy or water consumption, supported greener procurement, created or supported green spaces, engaged colleagues or shared an idea that could potentially help other Endoscopy Units.
It does not have to involve impressive statistics or complicated carbon calculations. Sometimes a good idea is simply a good idea. And if it has made an Endoscopy Unit a little greener, encouraged colleagues to change their behaviour or demonstrated what can be achieved when somebody decides to do things differently, we want to hear about it.
Because Good Work Deserves to Be Noticed
Anyone can submit a nomination, including colleagues, managers, healthcare professionals, suppliers and professional contacts. Individuals can also nominate themselves. Up to three finalists will be selected, with the overall Omnimed Sustainability Advocate of the Year 2026 announced in February 2027.
The winner will receive the Sustainability Advocate of the Year trophy and certificate, together with a £100 donation to an approved UK environmental charity of their choice. We will also work with the winner to share their story as a Green Endoscopy case study, helping good ideas and practical experiences reach other healthcare teams.
Because ultimately, the purpose of the award goes beyond recognising one individual. It is about sharing what is working. It is about showing that environmental improvements do not always need to be complicated.
And it is about celebrating the people who are already helping to make Endoscopy more sustainable, one decision, one idea and one change at a time.
Who Gets Your Nomination?
Perhaps somebody immediately springs to mind. The colleague who spotted a problem and found a better solution. The person who keeps asking whether something could be reused rather than discarded. The team member who has managed to turn one greener idea into a new everyday habit. Perhaps it is even your good self!
If you know someone whose ideas, commitment or everyday actions are helping to create a more sustainable future for Endoscopy, tell us their story.
Nominate your Sustainability Advocate today
Nominations close at 11.59 pm on Friday 29th January 2027.
Find out more about the Omnimed Sustainability Advocate of the Year 2026 Award, including full eligibility, judging information and terms.
No purchase from or existing relationship with Omnimed is required. Participation, publicity and the award presentation will be subject to the relevant employer or NHS Trust's policies and approval.