In September 2019 the Workplace Engagement Programme was established for NHS Shetland in partnership with Sustrans Scotland. The aim of the programme was to increase active travel uptake by NHS Shetland staff and create a culture where this is normalised.
The programme aligns with NHS Shetland’s strategic commitments to emphasising preventative approaches to ensure that NHS Shetland’s actions maintain and promote the health and wellbeing of all staff, patients and carers.
The programme included a Workplace Engagement Officer who led on Active Travel activities in NHS Shetland, including but not limited to:
- Maintaining pool of NHS Shetland e-bikes
- Engaging staff across all NHS Shetland sites
- Engaging with Active Travel partners across Shetland
- Women into Cycling Workshops
- Leading Health Walks
- Information stalls and awareness raising
Although the programme is drawing to a natural close in 2023, NHS Shetland continues to work collaboratively with partners across Shetland towards improving active and sustainable travel opportunities for communities and workforces. This includes sharing the learning from the programme, working with partners to incorporate health outcomes into transport planning and developing a new Active and Sustainable Travel Strategy for the Gilbert Bain Hospital.
The pool of NHS Shetland staff e-bikes continues to be maintained and open to staff to use for workplace journeys. For more on the e-bikes click here.