Green travel is one of 10 workstreams in our Patient First, Planet First Green Plan – as we recognise the importance of reducing air pollution to protect people’s health and the planet.
This is why the UHSussex pharmacy team in Brighton introduced an electric van in 2021 to deliver medicines to patients who are unwell, vulnerable or unable to collect in person.
In just two years, Pharm@sea has driven 55,000 sustainable miles to make 18,000 patient deliveries, all with zero tailpipe emissions.
Speaking about the switch, Gerti Kamenica, Operations Director and Superintendent Pharmacist, said: “Since its inception in January 2021, the working mantra for Pharm@sea has been how we serve this cohort of patients in an environmentally sustainable way.
“An electric van was chosen with careful thought about how we charge it with 100% sustainably sourced energy. Fast forward two years and I’d say this was a resounding success for our patients, the Trust and the planet.”
Powering ahead
As part of our commitment to support staff switch to greener transport alternatives, we introduced Electrical Vehicle Charge Points (EVCP) at Royal Sussex County, St Richard’s and Worthing hospitals. EVCPs for staff at Princess Royal Hospital will be installed in April..
Providing facilities that enable staff to make these changes, is just one of our green travel initiatives to help us reach Net Zero Carbon (for direct emissions) by 2040.
Wendy Burley, Head of Administration and Green Travel Services, said: “Through providing these facilities and promoting the use of electric vehicles, while also encouraging the use of public transport, cycling and walking, we are one step closer to a better, healthier environment for future generations.”
Find out more about the schemes and initiatives on offer via the Green Travel Team by visiting the healthy travel page of our website or email the team at [email protected].