Greener ways of travel for staff commended
Our Trust has become the first NHS organisation in Birmingham to be commended for its greener travel to work schemes offered to colleagues.
We have a catalogue of initiatives which have led to the organisation achieving a Modeshift STARS Certification for a “Very Good Travel Plan” awarded by Birmingham City Council.
Schemes include the promotion of car free days, cycling to work and using more public transport to travel to the Trust’s sites, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospitals.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Birmingham City Council, visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital this week to present the Trust with the certification and met with staff Steve Cumley, Chief Operating Officer and Maya Desai, who both cycle to work.
Cllr Mahmood said: “Modeshift STARS recognises healthcare settings, schools, businesses, workplaces and other organisations that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel.
“This is the first hospital site in Birmingham to achieve this level of accreditation on the Modeshift Healthcare platform which is a fantastic achievement and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.
“The way we travel is more than just logistics. It is about rethinking how we move about. By encouraging walking, cycling, public transport, low-emission vehicles, and car sharing, we are making it easier and better for staff, patients, and visitors to choose sustainable travel options.”
Dan Saxton, Head of Sustainability at the Trust who also greeted the councillor, said: “The take up from staff in using different modes of travel has been really encouraging.
“We have been actively promoting cycling by offering free bike loans which is also an NHS Net Zero initiative, whilst we have also been investigating car sharing where possible. We have expanded on offers for use on public transport including free bus and discounted tram travel.
“These different initiatives are shared with staff on a regular basis and any new starters are given all this information on their first day, again this is in line with the NHS Net Zero programme.
“We are grateful to Cllr Mahmood for presenting us with this certification.”