Community Nurses Go Green
The night community nursing team - which provides countywide care and treatment in patients’ homes - have introduced a zero emissions pool car for their staff based at Princess of Wales Community Hospital.
Led by District Nurse Team Leader Gloria Tilt, the electric pool car project was launched to provide an environmentally responsible means of travelling often long distances to visit housebound patients throughout Worcestershire. On average the community nurses drive 42 miles every night, however staff can sometimes travel up to 100 miles across the County.
Gloria Tilt, Team Leader, who has led on the pool car project said: “The evening and night community nursing team travel long distances to provide vital health care across the county. The electric pool car project has been extremely well received and feedback from colleagues has been very positive. As well as protecting the environment, it means less wear and tear on our own cars that we previously used for work travel.
The electric car will be used by the out of hours nursing team which supports patients across Worcestershire.
Richard Best, Head of Estates said: “The Trust is extremely committed to finding ways to reduce its carbon footprint. The launch of the electric pool car and charging facilities for the out of hours team is a very positive step for the organisation as it continues to improve its infrastructure to meet its commitment to the wellbeing of staff and the wider community it serves.
The Trust proactively encourages staff to cycle to work, has invested in reusable water bottles for staff to reduce plastic waste, and has streamlined procurement and waste processes to minimise its impact on the planet.”
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust runs mental health and learning disability services throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It also runs community nursing and rehabilitation services, services for children and young people, sexual health and dental services across Worcestershire, including the county’s community hospitals.