A sustainability initiative at North Cumbria Integrated Care is celebrating both environmental success and meaningful social impact with a Creating Careers success story at its heart.
The Reusable Theatre Hats Project, led by Breast Consultant Ludger Barthelmes from North Cumbria Integrated Care, has won a regional NHS Excellence Award in the Sustainable Healthcare category and has been shortlisted for a national NHS Excellence Award. Initially developed to reduce the use of single‑use theatre hats, the initiative has grown into a project that delivers environmental benefits while also improving staff experience and creating inclusive employment opportunities.
One of the most significant outcomes of the project has been the creation of paid employment through a partnership with People First, supporting people with learning disabilities and autism into meaningful work.
Lilian, a People First Creating Careers candidate, is one of the individuals employed through this initiative. Lilian began her journey several years ago at the Hospitality Academy before progressing into the Creating Careers programme. Through her role supporting the reusable theatre hats project, Lilian developed workplace skills and confidence, and in August she was offered a permanent position with North Cumbria Integrated Care.
Reflecting on her journey and her new role, Lilian says:
“I like doing all of the hats and organising them into order because it helps me do my job. Having a job makes me feel happy and smiley. I like having my own money to spend on things that I want to get, like buying a coffee on my break and saving towards holidays.”
Lilian also highlighted the importance of the right support at work:
“Having a job aide makes a big difference to me. It makes me feel calm, relaxed and safe when I am at work. I can do my work independently and I am getting more speedy at completing my tasks. My Job Aide supports me when I get stuck or confused about things and they help me solve problems.”
Reflecting on the partnership between the two organisations, Emma our Employability Team Leader shared;
“The partnership between Creating Careers and the NHS has been a fantastic opportunity. It is a shining example of how two organisations can collaborate to achieve sustainable success. The NHS provide Lilian with the tools to fulfil her job role and Creating Careers provide the on job support to allow her to thrive within the workplace. Working together has been a positive, supportive and life changing experience for all. Congratulations Dr Ludger on achieving this award, it is highly deserved and we are excited to work with you in the future.
The reusable theatre hats initiative has also delivered wider benefits across North Cumbria Integrated Care. By replacing disposable hats with reusable, named alternatives available in a wider range of sizes, the project has reduced waste and carbon emissions while supporting inclusion and clearer communication in operating theatres. Savings generated through the reduction in disposable hat use have been reinvested to support employment opportunities through People First, embedding social value into the project’s sustainability goals.
Being shortlisted for a national NHS Excellence Award recognises the creativity and collaboration behind the initiative and highlights how sustainable healthcare projects can deliver environmental, social and workforce benefits at the same time. Through partnerships like Creating Careers, the project is also helping individuals like Lilian progress into long‑term, meaningful employment within the NHS.
If you’d like to find out more about Creating Careers and how the programme supports people with learning disabilities and autism into meaningful, paid employment, visit the link below: