London Sexual Health e-Service Wins Prestigious National Environmental Award
Sexual Health London (SHL.UK), has been awarded ‘Environmental Sustainability Project of the Year’ at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025, recognising outstanding commitment to enhancing healthcare while championing sustainability through effective collaboration with the NHS.
Operated by Preventx in partnership with Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and commissioned by the London Sexual Health Programme, the service has made a huge difference to the environmental impact of Online Postal Self-Sampling (OPSS) kits, achieving:
80% reduction in single-use plastic
10 tonnes of plastic waste saved annually across the UK
Annual carbon savings of over 26 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year
With plastic waste accounting for nearly 25% of NHS waste in England and Wales, and approximately 50% of STI tests now conducted remotely, the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater.
The redesigned SHL.UK self-sampling kits have made a substantial improvement by:
Replacing rigid plastic clamshell containers with soft, recyclable transport pouches
Reducing plastic use from 24g per kit to just 1.6g
Maintaining high safety standards while cutting environmental impact
The winners were announced at a prestigious ceremony at Evolution London on 20 March 2025, hosted by Rachel Parris and Marcus Brigstocke. The event brought together NHS representatives, private and third-sector organisations, and key stakeholders from non-clinical backgrounds to celebrate the importance of effective partnerships in ensuring the NHS’s future sustainability.
Mona Hayat, Director of Sexual Health for the London Sexual Health Programme, commented:
“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of PreventX and Chelsea and Westminster in delivering this innovative and award-winning e-Service. Since its commissioning in London, we have seen a 46% increase in testing, compared to 21% across the rest of the country, leading to more diagnoses and treatments. The service enhances accessibility, optimises clinical resources, and delivers world-leading standards, with 96% patient satisfaction. By integrating online and clinic-based services, we have improved access, efficiency, and health outcomes for Londoners while delivering better value for money.”
This recognition highlights the transformative impact of digital healthcare solutions and sustainable innovation in shaping the future of NHS services.
Image description: A group of twelve people is standing on a stage at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025 ceremony, posing for a celebratory photograph. The team, dressed in formal attire, includes individuals in elegant dresses, suits, and tuxedos. The central figure is holding an award and smiling.