Healthcare Ocean was founded in 2020 by clinically active healthcare professionals who care deeply about the health of the waterways, seas, coasts, and global Ocean. Its aim is to ensure that the Ocean and nature are not left behind in the journey towards true Healthcare industry sustainability. We want to reimagine Healthcare that is sustainably and equitably ocean and nature positive. As we relearn and reconnect with nature and water systems, learning and listening to indigenous and local community knowledge will be key.
We aim to create deliverable actions, resources and links for healthcare professionals to support their increased understanding and advocacy for both ocean health and human health and wellbeing. We are also interested in exploring routes of education and advocacy through partnerships with diverse stakeholders and communities interested in the interactions between ocean and human health.
People
Dr Georgina (Georgie) Sowman MBBS MRCGP
Georgie is a GP (General Practitioner) and Sport England Physical Activity Clinical Champion with the University of Sheffield Hallam. She is a co-founder of Healthcare Ocean. She has worked in healthcare sustainability over 4 years and has an interest in the connections between water, oceans , and clinical care.
Prof Richard Hixson FRCA
Richard is a Consultant in Anaesthesia, Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Exeter, Designer of CPDmatch, co-founder of Healthcare Ocean and Advisory Board Member of Veer Voyage. Richard’s interests include healthcare-associated maritime logistics, material management and environmental literacy across the healthcare value chain.
Dr Paul Southall BMedSc (Hons), MBChB, FRCA
Paul is a Consultant Anaesthetist and Environmental Advisor to the Royal College of Anaesthetists. Paul’s interests are around the impact of pharmaceuticals on water and ocean health, and how healthcare practice can be adapted to minimise these impacts.
Prof Lora E Fleming MD PhD MPH MSc Hon CBE
Lora is a physician and epidemiologist who has worked in the area of Oceans and Human Health research and teaching for over 30 years on both sides of the Atlantic. Lora is passionate about the interconnections between our health and the health of the natural environment, particularly our coasts, seas and Ocean.
Dr Jake Keast
Jake is a resident doctor about to begin work at Cardiff University Hospitals, having a prior background to Medicine in Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation. Jake is also an elite triathlete and coach, now focussing his efforts working part time on healthcare digitalisation and the connection between Oceans, Physical Activity, and Wellbeing.