…By Enitan Thompson for TDPel Media.
Doctors in London are preparing for a three-day bike ride around the Greater London boundary to commemorate the upcoming expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
They view this expansion, which will encompass all 33 boroughs starting from August 29, as a positive step toward cleaner air.
The doctors aim to raise awareness among healthcare workers about the importance of advocating for clean air in the capital.
Doctors Promote the Health Impacts of Air Pollution:
Dr. Mark Hayden, a London paediatrician and the organizer of the cycle ride, emphasizes the detrimental effects of pollution on health.
He believes that pollution exacerbates or worsens almost every disease.
The doctors participating in the event want to emphasize the truth that polluted air is highly toxic, causing significant harm to the NHS and incurring substantial treatment costs.
Details of the “Ride for their Lives”:
The “Ride for their Lives” is a 155-mile bike ride set to begin in Havering and continue over the course of three days.
It aims to trace the capital’s boundary, which will coincide with the Ulez boundary.
Approximately a dozen healthcare professionals, including GPs, paediatricians, junior doctors, an emergency medicine doctor, a physiotherapist, an anaesthetist, and a neonatologist, are expected to participate.
This event follows a previous bike ride to Glasgow in 2021, held in conjunction with the Cop26 summit.
Influences and Campaign Support:
Dr. Hayden draws attention to the coroner’s report following the inquest into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah.
He also mentions advice from Professor Sir Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, which calls for the NHS to cease contributing to air pollution and educate both itself and patients about the dangers of air pollution.
The participating doctors support the “clean air wins” campaign, which highlights the strain toxic air places on hospital wards.
Doctors Advocate for Clean Air and its Health Benefits:
Dr. Hayden emphasizes that the health benefits of clean air are often overlooked.
He explains that air pollution harms individuals even before birth, accumulates throughout childhood and adulthood, and places a significant strain on hospital wards.
The Ulez expansion has proven effective in reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a major contributor to asthma.
The doctors view this expansion as a positive step toward cleaner air and safer active travel.
They urge all healthcare workers in London to voice their support for clean and safe air.
Doctors’ Perspectives and Support:
Dr. Anna Moore, a respiratory doctor from London participating in the bike ride, states that air pollution harms every organ in the body.
She highlights the overwhelming pressure on the health service, including long waiting lists and overwhelmed emergency services.
Dr. Moore believes that cleaning up the air would prevent or reduce numerous illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, dementia, asthma, and COPD.
She envisions the positive impact on the NHS if such measures were taken.
Conclusion:
London Mayor Sadiq Khan praises the doctors for their efforts to raise awareness about the significance of expanding the Ulez throughout the city.
Their bike ride serves as a celebration of this expansion and a call to action for all healthcare workers to advocate for safe and clean air.