Low Carbon: NHS Supply Chain launches cycling scheme to cut carbon emissions

By Sarah Griffiths on Jun 18, 09 12:50 PM in News

THE logistics arm of the NHS has launched a cycle scheme for its Runcorn employees that is on track to save more than five tons of carbon emissions per year.

NHS Supply Chain, which sources and supplies more than 620,000 products for the NHS, introduced the Cycle to Work scheme as a pilot at its Runcorn distribution centre.

The scheme provides tax free bikes through the Government's Green Transport initiative and gives employees the opportunity to rent a bike supplied to the organisation.

NHS Supply Chain introduced the scheme so employees can ride to work instead of by car to help the environment.

So far, approximately 10% of employees have taken up the scheme.

The organisation says the scheme will result in an annual saving of 5.5 tons of carbon.

Simon Matthews, an NHS Supply Chain operative based in Runcorn, said: "The Cycle to Work scheme is a great idea.

"There is a good selection of bikes to choose from, and because I enjoy biking outside of work I decided to get a bike for on and off road use.

"I now cycle to work most days, so as well as doing my bit for the environment it is also great exercise."

Helen O'Hara, NHS Supply Chain's sustainability manager, added: "The scheme has proved to be a big success at Runcorn.

"We are rolling the scheme out across our seven distribution centres during National Bike Week so that all 2,400 NHS Supply Chain employees can reap the benefits of reduced carbon emissions and increased fitness."

The picture shows Simon Matthews, an NHS Supply Chain warehouse operative, on his cycling scheme bike.