Mapping Greener HealthcareMapping Greener Healthcare

In order to lead by example in the Borough, to contribute towards the Healthy Workplace programme, and to generate modal shift away from car (and public transport) use to walking and cycling to, from and during work a comprehensive staff Travel Plan has been produced for NHS Tower Hamlets.

Baseline surveys took place in 2008-2009 creating an underlying trend of current travel patterns to, from and during work which suggested cycling and walking levels were already reasonably high - at one of the two main Trust sites, for example, 13% of respondents said they currently cycled to work, whilst 11% walked to work at the main hospital location (Mile End Hospital).

Targets have been set to ensure 15% of staff cycle to work at both main sites by September 2011 and for 12% of staff to walk to work by that date. At the same time the percentage of staff driving to work is to be cut from 8% to 5%.

In order to meet these goals a comprehensive range of 'short-term', quick-win measures have already been adopted, with more longer term strategies to be implemented over time. To date, brand new cycle parking facilities for 25 bikes have been installed at Aneurin Bevan House, with further facilities soon to be built at Mile End Hospital. Monthly Dr Bike sessions for staff take place across the two sites and a programme of shower and locker facilities renewal is underway. Cyclists breakfasts and a range of information both in written format and on the intranet, including a Cycle User Group email list, have helped ensure that momentum is maintained. In the longer term it is hoped to re-allocate car parking spaces to cycle parking and implement the Cycle to Work scheme and 20p mileage allowance, plus establish a regular programme of weekly walks.