Belfast HSC Trust September 2011 1
Belfast Trust Contents Section Page Executive Summary 3 1. Introduction 7 2. Development 9 Benefits of Developing a 9 Scope 9 Site Assessments 9 Smarter Working Methods 10 Staff Travel 10 Business Travel 12 Patient and Visitor Travel 12 3. Objectives and Targets 14 Objectives 14 2015 Targets 14 Setting & Achieving Targets 15 4. Initiatives 16 Car Park Management 16 Public Transport 18 Cycling 20 Walking 22 Motorcycles 23 Car Sharing 23 Addressing Business Needs 24 Implementation 26 Action Plan 28 5. Conclusion 35 2
Belfast Trust Executive Summary Background The main objective of the Belfast Trust is to encourage staff to travel by sustainable modes to and from work as well as for business trips through promoting and enabling such modes in partnership with Translink, Sustrans and Travelwise NI. The implementation of the plan will ultimately reduce single car occupancy trips and increase trips by sustainable modes such as walking, cycling, car sharing and using public transport. The development and implementation of a sustainable will help to address current parking pressures in and around the Trust sites, reduce the environmental impacts associated with the Trust s travel activities as well as promote healthier lifestyles to the Trust s workforce. It should be noted that whilst the plan is focused on staff travel, many of the initiatives contained therein will influence and encourage patients and visitors to travel in a more sustainable fashion to the various Trust sites within the Belfast area. Belfast Trust delivers integrated health and social care to approximately 340,000 citizens in Belfast and part of the Borough of Castlereagh. It also provides a range of specialist services to all of Northern Ireland. It is estimated that one third of all travel in Belfast is related to the Trust s activities. Most of this activity is due to the Trust s 20,000 employees travelling to work and over one million patient attendances at our acute sites. With an annual budget of almost 1bn, Belfast Trust is one of the largest Trusts in the United Kingdom. The Trust came into existence in April 2007 and is responsible for the services formerly delivered by six Trusts which were merged on 31 March 2007. These Trusts were: Belfast City Hospital Health and Social Services Trust; Green Park Health and Social Services Trust; the Mater Health and Social Services Trust; North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust; South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust, and The Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospital Health and Social Services Trust. The Trust workforce resides throughout Northern Ireland and travel to their sites on a daily basis to provide such services. The Trust sites can be can be accessed by various modes of transport including train, bus, car sharing, walking and cycling. One of the motivations for implementing a is to reduce the reliance on the private car and reduce transport impacts in relation to Trust employees commuting to and from work on a daily basis. Belfast Trust Development The purpose of the will be to drive significant change in transport and travel for Belfast Trust staff. It should be noted that the development of the will also present benefits to both patients and visitors where feasible. The Belfast Trust has been developed following the National Specification for s 1, as follows: Detailed site audits, assessing transport facilities, including car parking in and around the sites; Current staff travel patterns and business journeys; aims and objectives; Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound (SMART) targets for a 5 year period; initiatives to achieve these targets; and Strategy to monitor and review the progress of the. 1 PAS 500: 2008 National specification for workplace travel plans, BSI November 2008 (Publicly Available Specification) 3
Belfast Trust This should be considered as a live document with measures reviewed and monitored over time. Updates can be incorporated where necessary to ensure initiatives continue to target the relevant issues. Staff Travel Analysis A staff travel survey was conducted in October 2010 to provide the current modal split for commuter journeys to the Belfast Trust sites. The staff travel survey received a response rate of 12% across all Trust sites which provide an adequate representation of travel behaviours of Trust employees for the development of the. The dominant mode of travel to work is by private car (alone or car sharing), as well as staff travel using bus and train services, taxis, walking and cycling on a regular basis. A number of respondents also indicated that they would consider travelling to work by other modes including car sharing, catching the bus, walking or cycling. Staff postcode analysis was also undertaken for 17,465 Trust staff who work in the 12 largest Trust facilities. This showed the potential for staff to use existing public transport services, car share, walk or cycle to work. A mapping exercise showed there is a large potential for Trust staff to make use of current Metro (8,164 staff), Ulsterbus (1,512 staff), Goldline (5,855 staff) and rail services (7,370 staff) as they live within an accessible distance of buscentres, bus stops, rail halts or stations. 4,157 employees currently live within 4km of work 2 and could potentially cycle to work. Also, there are significant clusters of staff living close to each other that could potentially car share. Patient and Visitor Travel Analysis Random sample visitor and patient interview surveys were conducted at various locations throughout the following Trust sites: Arches Centre, Westminster Avenue North; Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road; Mater Hospital, Crumlin Road; Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman s Lane; and Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road. The aim of the surveys was to evaluate the existing modal split and consideration of alternative modes, duration of stay and parking arrangements for visitors and patients travelling to the Trust sites. A total of 336 surveys were collected which showed that the majority of visitors and patients travelled to the Trust sites by private car. Travel by bus was the most popular alternative mode of travel for consideration by visitors and patients. Objectives and Targets The principal objectives for the Belfast Trust were developed to address transport issues across the Trust sites with a focus on commuter and business travel. objectives for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is as follows: 1. improve access for all staff, patients and visitors to the Belfast Trust sites; 2. encourage a reduction in car use to the Belfast Trust sites and for business purposes; 3. improve the choice of modes and encourage travel by public transport, car sharing, walking and cycling; 4. improve health and wellbeing of staff through the promotion of active travel; and 5. support the Belfast Trust with other corporate policies. The indicative targets are set for a five year period to meet the overall objectives of the plan as listed above. These targets have been set with consideration to the research and information gathering throughout the Trust, including postcode and staff travel data and are considered to be achievable yet challenging. It should be noted that all calculations and percentages are based on the current total number of Trust employees (20,000 staff). 2 Measurement of Accessibility to and from the site, Transport Assessment Guidelines for Development Proposals in Northern Ireland November 2006 4
Belfast Trust An increase in the number of trips made by walking and cycling from 6% of staff currently to 16% by December 2015. Approximately 572 staff (29.6% of respondents) indicated that they would consider cycling or walking to work as part of the staff survey and the analysis of staff postcode data for the Trust indicated that approximately 21% of staff lived within a 15 minute walk or cycle ride of work; An increase in the number of trips made by car sharing from 7% currently to 10% by December 2015. 381 staff (19.7% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider car sharing as part of the staff survey and the analysis of staff postcode data indicated that there are clusters of staff living in similar areas; An increase in the number of public transport users from 12.5% currently to 23% by December 2015. 809 staff (41.9% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider travelling to work by public transport and the analysis of staff postcode data showed that large numbers of staff live close to a bus or rail service; and A reduction in the number of lone car drivers from 71% in 2010 to 49% in 2015 through the use of alternative modes. A regular staff travel survey should be conducted to monitor shifts in modal split. The incremental targets set for Belfast Health and Social Care Trust over the next five years are listed in Table A. Table A Belfast Trust Targets 3 Current (2010) 2011 Target 2012 Target 2013 Target 2014 Target 2015 Target Car driver trips (single occupancy trips) 71% 65% 61% 57% 53% 49% Supporting Actions Car Sharing 6.9% 8% 8.5% 9% 9.5% 10% Train 4.7% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% Bus 7.8% 9% 10% 11% 12% 13% Walking 5.4% 6% 6.5% 7% 7.5% 8% Cycling 2.5% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% A number of sustainable initiatives will be implemented throughout the Belfast Trust over a five year period in order to meet all modal shift targets as presented in Table A. These initiatives involve the promotion of existing facilities as well as introducing new schemes to encourage sustainable travel. Proposed measures are likely to include: implementation; Car parking facilities; Promoting public transport; Promoting walking and cycling; Providing motorcycle and cycling facilities; Facilitating and promoting car sharing; and Addressing business needs. 3 It should be noted that targets for each year does not total 100% as other modes such as motorcycles and taxis have been excluded from the target setting 5
Belfast Trust The Trust will implement this in partnership with organisations such as Travelwise NI, Roads Service, Sustrans and Translink. The Plan will encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport and promote healthier lifestyles as well as reducing environmental impacts and travel costs. Belfast Trust A Co-ordinator, working 1 day per week, has been identified within the Belfast Trust to provide support on the implementation and development of the. The Co-ordinator reports to a Senior Manager within the Directorate of Nursing & User Experience. To assess progress towards the s targets, modal split and initiative take-up levels will need to be monitored. The coordinator s responsibilities will include the organisation of travel surveys on a regular basis to monitor Trust employee travel patterns. The scope of the Co-ordinator s duties may be increased in the future to encompass patient and visitor travel patterns to help monitor the demand upon specific facilities. Other Co-ordinator responsibilities include: Obtaining and maintaining commitment and support from senior managers, staff, union representatives etc; Designing and implementing effective marketing and awareness raising campaigns to promote the in co-operation with Travelwise NI; Setting up, co-ordinating and attending Groups and/ or Working Groups etc; Acting as a point of contact for all staff requiring information; Liaising with the various departments within the Trust, Health Promotion Agency, Trust staff, trade unions and external organisations such as Translink, Belfast City Council and Sustrans; and Presenting a business case to secure budget for development and ensuring its efficient and effective use. The coordinator is key to the success of the Belfast Trust as this individual is the main driving force behind the plan. The coordinator is supported by the Trust Group which has representation from Communications, Health Improvement, Estates Services, HR, IT, Finance, Transport, Occupational Health, Risk Management and the Trade Unions. This Group will provide support and resource on implementation and development of the plan. The Co-ordinator and Group will lead by example and have a practical, realistic and balanced perspective of travel issues. Business Travel As part of the process, business travel and business travel needs were reviewed as this can also have a fundamental influence on how staff travel to work. Factors considered include the potential to use tele-conferencing or video conferencing to reduce the need to travel, or other alternative modes, such as public transport or walking, to reduce the reliance on the private vehicle. The encouragement of smarter travel through the use of alternatives to the private car can incur greater efficiencies to the way the Trust currently manage their business travel in financial terms as well as staff productivity. 6
Belfast Trust 1. Introduction Background 1.1 Belfast Trust has received support from the Department for Regional Development (DRD) Travelwise NI in developing a with specific initiatives selected for implementation at the various Trust sites to encourage staff to conduct travel in a more sustainable way. 1.2 There is potential to encourage staff to travel by sustainable modes as a substantial number of current car drivers have indicated in the staff travel survey that they would consider using alternative modes to travel to work. Section 2 of this report provides further information on current travel patterns. 1.3 It should be noted that although this will not specifically focus on patients and visitors, due to the large number of trips generated by these individuals there will be potential to extend a number of initiatives and measures, identified for staff, to influence their travel choices. This will be referenced as appropriate throughout the document. Benefits of Developing a 1.4 A aims to reduce dependency on cars by promoting the use of possible alternatives to single occupancy car use. Implementation of a can potentially provide benefits for the Trust, their staff, patients, visitors and the Greater Belfast Area including environmental and economic benefits as summarised in this section. Benefits for the Belfast Trust Identifies targets for reducing environmental pollution from transport activities. Presents a positive image which can be extended to patients and visitors, the local community as well as to other Health and Social Care Trusts, Belfast City Council and other local organisations; Reduces car parking demand and releases spaces for alternative uses, for example for priority patient parking and reserved car sharer spaces or cycle parking; Provides better management of staff travel leading to lower mileage and expense claims and more effective use of staff time; and Contributes to the improvement of air quality in and around Greater Belfast through the reduction of carbon emissions. Benefits to Belfast Trust staff Provides additional or increased choices through increasing travel and work options; Reduces travel costs (including parking costs); Encourages healthier and more active lifestyles which in turn may reduce stress and obesity; and Reduces stress associated with driving and car parking for those travelling to the Belfast Trust sites by private car. Benefits to patients, visitors and Greater Belfast Helps to reduce congestion and parking stress; Helps to improve local air quality; Encourages healthier and more active lifestyles; and. Helps to reduce instances of inappropriate parking in residential areas adjacent to Trust sites. 7
Belfast Trust 1.5 To achieve the benefits associated with the development of a both financial and staff time investment will be required. Plans can be self financing as the investment cost of implementing measures within the plan can be offset by savings on parking, mileage claims and staff time. There are also less tangible benefits such as improved image, healthier and more active staff and the environmental benefits. Scope 1.6 The is focused on Belfast Trust staff in relation to commuter trips as well as business journeys. 1.7 The opportunity to influence patients and visitors travel has been captured throughout the development and implementation of this plan. 1.8 There will be an opportunity to promote a number of measures and initiatives to others working on the Trust sites, for example Queens University staff and students based at Belfast City Hospital and Royal Group of Hospitals. 1.9 Where possible in its travel planning, the Trust will consider the impact of travel by suppliers and contractors across all of the Trust s sites. Objectives 1.10 There are a number of key motivations for the production of a for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust including improved access, improved health and wellbeing of staff, improved availability of affordable travel options and a reduced reliance on the private car through the promotion of sustainable alternatives. These are outlined in Section 3 of this document. 1.11 There are several principles that are vital to achieving success in the : Commitment from senior management this is essential as senior management will be pivotal in the development of objectives and should also lead by example; Consultation with staff and trade unions a will only be successful if staff and representatives support and have buy-in to it. Consultation is crucial in encouraging staff to have a sense of ownership of changes and improvements being introduced; Resource allocation appropriate levels of staff time is needed to implement the plan and maintain the momentum of the plan; the appropriate staffing resource should therefore be allocated. A budget should also be allocated to cover the development and promotion of specific initiatives; and promotion it is essential to promote the individual measures initiatives and demonstrate their progress and benefits and ensure staff understand their travel options and associated benefits. 1.12 Taking the information gathered on the needs of Belfast Trust employees into account; this Travel Plan document is structured as follows: Section 2: Development this section sets out the benefits and scope of the Belfast Trust. Summary of site audit, staff travel survey findings, postcode analysis and business travel. Section 3: Objectives and Targets objectives and targets addressing transport issues for Trust staff. Section 4: Initiatives a number of measures selected, based on site facilities and data analysis to encourage sustainable travel throughout Belfast Trust. Section 5: Conclusion - the conclusion of the. 8
Belfast Trust 2. Development Scope 2.1 The Belfast Trust will consist of a range of initiatives and activities developed for Belfast Trust staff. There are approximately 20,000 employees based throughout the various Belfast Trust sites. This will be taken forward in collaboration with the coordinator, Translink, Health Promotion Agency, Sustrans and Travelwise NI. 2.2 The presents initiatives and measures which can be implemented and promoted to encourage staff to undertake sustainable travel wherever possible. The targets, measures and initiatives have been selected through investigating the current level of facilities (such as cycle parking, showering/changing facilities etc) on the Belfast Trust sites, as well as carrying out staff travel surveys with the aim to encourage a change in established travel patterns and analysing postcode data to assess the potential for staff to travel by alternative modes. 2.3 The plan also emphasises that it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiatives and their influence on patient and visitor travel through monitoring the take up of initiatives and the analysis of regular travel surveys. Site Assessments 2.4 A number of site audits were conducted on behalf of the Trust to assess the transport facilities (such as cycle parking, showering/changing facilities etc) available on the Belfast Trust sites. This is summarised in the following sections. The site audits help to highlight key transport problem areas and opportunities for the Trust. 2.5 The following sites, which are the 12 largest facilities in the Trust, were chosen for a survey of accessibility by public transport services, cycle paths, pedestrian footways and provision of car and cycle parking: Arches Centre, Westminster Avenue North Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road Bradbury Centre, Lisburn Road Carlisle Centre, Antrim Road College Street (no. 16) Grove Wellbeing Centre, York Road Forster Green & Knockbreda Centre, Saintfield Road Knockbracken Centre, Saintfield Road Mater Hospital, Crumlin Road Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Abbey Road, Antrim Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman s Lane Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road 2.6 As most of the sites are located within the Greater Belfast area, there is great accessibility by public transport, walking and cycling. It should be noted that Muckamore Abbey Hospital is in a rural location on the edge of Antrim town and access by sustainable modes is limited. 9
Belfast Trust Smarter Working Methods 2.7 There are tele-conferencing facilities available within the Belfast Trust as well as videoconferencing facilities. This technology allows for joining conferences, meetings or training courses, according to needs, for a number of people with similar equipment from anywhere in the world. 2.8 The Trust has developed a number of staff policies which aim to improve working lives through a work life balance. Flexible work policies include: Job sharing; Flexi-time scheme; Compressed working; and Homeworking 2.9 The policies listed allow for flexible working and work could be arranged to suit travel such as public transport timetables or working hours of car sharer. Homeworking also reduces the need to travel. Staff Travel 2.10 A staff travel survey is the foundation of a as it provides an understanding of how staff currently travel to work, as well as providing a baseline with which to measure progress of the after it has been implemented. 2.11 The data also assists in identifying which initiatives will be most effective in changing travel behaviour. 2.12 In addition post code analysis was carried out into all staff working in the 12 core facilities (approx 18,000 staff) to identify proximity to public transport and cycle routes, proximity to place of work and clusters for potential car sharing. 2.13 The response to the staff travel survey in 2010 was 11.6%. An Analysis of Travel Survey Data report was produced in December 2010 to provide a summary analysis of the survey responses collected. 2.14 A breakdown of the actual modal split for Belfast Trust staff as established from the staff surveys are in Figure 2.1. Figure 2.1 Current Travel to Work Modal Split for Belfast Trust staff 6.6 4.6 7.6 2.5 0.5 5.2 1.3 Car driver Car sharing Train Bus 68.4 % Cycle Motorcycle Walk Taxis 10
Belfast Trust 2.15 A summary of the key findings from the survey is as follows: It is evident that the predominant mode of travel to and from work is by car as it is quick and convenient compared to other modes available and allows for domestic and caring responsibilities; 6.6% of staff who responded to the survey currently car share to work on a regular basis. The survey indicated that 325 car drivers currently travelling on their own would consider car sharing. These respondents would be encouraged to car share if they had help finding a colleague to share with and if there was a dedicated car sharing parking space available at their for their use; 57 survey respondents cycle to work daily and 163 additional staff members cycle occasionally. Other staff members who currently do not cycle to work stated they would cycle if improvements were made at to local routes making them safer and better lit; and 282 survey respondents currently use public transport as their main mode of transport to work, be it bus, train or park and ride. Respondents stated discounted tickets, more frequent and direct buses and better connections between home and bus stops would encourage them to use public transport. 2.16 A summary of the key findings from the postcode analysis for Belfast Trust staff is as follows: 8,164 staff currently live near a Metro bus route and are potential bus users; 5,855 staff live near a high frequency Goldline express service (within 400m of a bus stop, 10km of a buscentre with parking facilities and bus based park and ride facilities or 4km of a bus centre with cycle parking facilities (without car parking facilities); 1,512 staff currently live within 400m of an Ulsterbus bus stop, 10km of a buscentre with parking facilities and bus based park and ride facilities or 4km of a bus centre with cycle parking facilities (without car parking facilities); 7,370 staff currently live within 4km of a train station or halt with cycle parking facilities (without car parking facilities) or 10km of a train station or halt with parking facilities and rail based park and ride facilities; 4,157 staff live within the recommended 1km walking and 4km cycling distance to work 4 ; and There are significant clusters of staff living close to each other that could potentially car share throughout Northern Ireland to the various sites in the Greater Belfast Area. 4 Measurement of Accessibility to and from the site, Transport Assessment Guidelines for Development Proposals in Northern Ireland November 2006 11
Belfast Trust Business Travel 2.17 The staff survey also provided the opportunity to collect data on business travel for the Trust. Table 2.1 summarises average business miles travelled annually by usual mode used. Table 2.1 Belfast Trust Staff Business Travel Mileage Car driver Car sharing Bus Number of staff claiming by mode Train Trust Shuttle Bus Motorcycle Cycle Walk Taxi Total (survey respondents) 0-500 352 40 24 5 50 1 8 45 10 535 501-1,000 158 9 1 0 5 1 1 3 2 180 1,001-3,000 3,001-5,000 5,001-10,000 Over 10,000 210 5 2 0 3 1 0 4 0 225 102 3 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 112 58 1 1 1 3 0 0 1 2 67 32 2 1 0 8 1 0 4 0 48 2.18 Only a small proportion of staff travel over 10,000 miles per annum for business purposes. It should also be noted that car sharing, the use of the Trust Shuttle bus and walking are all sustainable travel modes used by Belfast Trust staff on a regular basis for business purposes. 2.19 A number of key findings from the staff survey in relation to business travel are as follows: 816 respondents who stated they drove to work as they needed their car for business trips. The majority of these respondents conduct business trips at least once a week (total of 716 staff); 22% of those conducting business by car (231 of 1,058) would consider using bus or train to conduct business travel and 24% would consider using a pool car; 707 respondents stated they would consider working at home; and 1,048 staff conducting business travel stated that they do not have access to tele conferencing or video conferencing facilities. 2.20 It should be noted that duties associated with job roles may not facilitate home working or smarter working methods such as home visits. Patient and Visitor Travel 2.21 There were 336 patient and visitor interview surveys completed at five Belfast Trust sites, namely Holywood Arches Centre (69), Belfast City Hospital (78), Mater Hospital (51), Musgrave Hospital (35) and Royal Group of Hospitals (103). 2.22 The aim of the survey was to gain an understanding of: Modal split; General parking arrangements; and Willingness to use alternative modes to the car if they do not already. 12
Belfast Trust 2.23 The Travel Survey analysis report as included in Appendix A summarises all data collected as part of the 2010 surveys. 2.24 Actual modal split for visitors and patients to the Belfast Trust sites are in Figure 2.2. Figure 2.2 - Travel Modal Split for Belfast Trust Patients and Visitors 180 164 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 72 1 27 6 28 27 1 2.25 A summary of the key findings from the survey is as follows: 74.7% of patients and visitors duration of stay at the Trust facilities is two hours or less; 236 (72.4%) patients and visitors travelled by car on the day of the survey (car driver or passenger). 124 of the total persons surveyed would consider using alternative modes including public transport, walking and cycling; 42% of those who travelled by car had difficulty finding a parking space at the Trust site; 1 Arches Centre survey respondent cycled and 27 persons walked to Holywood Arches Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Mater Hospital and Royal Group of Hospitals; and 33 survey respondents travelled by public transport to all the sites except for Musgrave Park Hospital (10%). 13
Belfast Trust 3. Objectives and Targets 3.1 This has been developed to encourage staff to travel by more sustainable transport modes to and from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust sites. 3.2 The objectives and targets address all transport related issues linked to staff commuting to their place of employment and those travelling for business purposes. The opportunity to influence all users of the Trust sites through the workings of this including visitors and patients has also been identified. 3.3 There are approximately 20,000 staff employed by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The staff travel survey showed that the dominant mode of travel to all the sites is by private car. 3.4 46% of staff who regularly drive on their own to work and responded to the survey indicated that they would consider using an alternative mode of transport. An overall target of a reduction of 21.7% of car driver trips over the next five years is therefore not unrealistic. 3.5 The staff travel survey also showed that business travel is undertaken by 38% of respondents at least once a week to conduct home visits, meetings, training and other work related visits in association with their job. Objectives 3.6 objectives determined for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to encourage staff to use sustainable modes where possible to reduce staff reliance on the private car are as follows: 1. improve access for all staff, patients and visitors to the Belfast Trust sites; 2. encourage a reduction in car use to the Belfast Trust sites and for business purposes; 3. improve the choice of modes and encourage travel by public transport, car sharing, walking and cycling; 4. improve health and wellbeing of staff through the promotion of active travel; 5. improve the availability to staff of affordable travel options; and 6. support the Belfast Trust in line with other corporate policies. 3.7 The targets were set with the purpose of meeting the objectives as listed above. The information collected through staff surveys and other means has been used to make an informed judgement about opportunities for change. 2015 Targets 3.8 A number of targets are provided to enable the Trust to quantify whether they are meeting their objectives over the next 5 years. These achievable, but challenging targets are based on current best practice and the Trust s motivation to develop a sustainable which in turn will reduce harmful transport related greenhouse gas emissions, reduce congestion in and around Greater Belfast through better management of existing car parking facilities and promote healthier and more active lifestyles for employees. An increase in the number of trips made by walking and cycling from 7.9% of staff currently to 16% by December 2015. Approximately 572 staff (29.6% of respondents) indicated that they would consider cycling or walking to work as part of the staff survey and the analysis of staff postcode data for the Trust indicated that approximately 21% staff lived within a 15 minute walk or cycle ride of work; An increase in the number of trips made by car sharing from 6.9% currently to 10% by December 2015. 381 staff (19.7% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider car sharing as part of the staff survey and the analysis of staff postcode data indicated that there are clusters of staff living in similar areas; 14
Belfast Trust An increase in the number of public transport users from 12.5% currently to 23% by December 2015. 809 staff (41.9% survey respondents) indicated that they would consider travelling to work by public transport and the analysis of staff postcode data showed that large numbers of staff live close to a bus or rail service; and A reduction in the number of lone car drivers from 70.8% in 2010 to 49.1% in 2015 through the use of alternative modes. Setting & Achieving Targets 3.9 Implementation of initiatives which can deliver these targets forms the basis of the Belfast Trust. The choice of initiatives reflects the current transport facilities on and around the Trust sites and facilities within the Greater Belfast area as well as the analysis and feedback gained from the staff survey results. Each initiative will contribute towards one or more of the targets. 3.10 The targets strike the right balance between being achievable yet challenging. In addition, success in achieving these targets will deliver tangible improvements on the ground within the Trust sites. The targets therefore need to deliver sufficient change to provide a reward and encouragement for the scheme to continue. The targets will be reviewed regularly through the conduct of regular staff travel surveys to ensure initiatives are successful and still relevant. The initiatives and related targets are summarised in Chapter 4. 3.11 Visitors and patient travel will also be targeted to encourage the use of sustainable modes. There are a number of initiatives set in the which will have an influence on visitor and patient travel but there are no specific targets set. As the plan develops, additional visitor and patient interview surveys will be conducted at the Belfast Trust sites to monitor how the influences travel. Monitoring & Reviewing the 3.12 The and the Group are responsible for organising regular staff travel surveys and a key task will be to review the Belfast Trust. The data collected from the surveys can be used to assess if the targets and initiatives are realistic and to monitor the plans progress. 3.13 The data gathered through staff travel surveys will allow the group to review the initiatives, to continue with measures which have a positive effect or changing direction where they have lacked efficiency or impact. 15
Belfast Trust 4. Initiatives 4.1 This section outlines the means by which Targets and Objectives will be achieved by the employees of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. As previously noted, there may also be the opportunity to influence visitor and patient travel. Initiatives outlined for the Trust will promote the use of sustainable modes of transport to and from the various Trust facilities. The staff travel data and site audit results were taken into account to select initiatives and measures. 4.2 This section also describes how the initiatives and measures will be implemented, monitored and reviewed during the coming five years to ensure that progress is being made in facilitating more sustainable travel patterns. To encourage staff to walk, cycle and use public transport to travel to and from work the Trust needs to accommodate and ensure non-car modes are more attractive. Alternatives to the car could also be promoted to patients and visitors to make them aware of all the travel options available to them to get them to and from the facilities conveniently. 4.3 Each initiative is summarised in a short table showing: the actions required to implement and develop each measure; a target based on current staff travel data and a subsequent timescale within which the measure should be implemented. It should be noted that the timescale given is subject to necessary resources; and who will be responsible for implementing the initiative. 4.4 Initiatives are as follows: implementation; Car parking facilities; Promoting public transport; Promoting walking and cycling; Providing motorcycle and cycling facilities; Facilitating and promoting car sharing; and Addressing business needs. 4.5 At the end of this section, the Action Plan summarises all initiatives identified for the Trust and their associated characteristics. Car Park Management Background 4.6 Managing car parking facilities is a vital part of travel planning. If plentiful car parking is provided for staff, they will not be encouraged to use an alternative to travel to work. Parking pressures are experienced at a number of the Trust sites at peak times especially during outpatient clinics and visiting times at the hospital sites. The Trust has developed a Draft Operational Car Parking policy to reduce congestion on sites which has caused patients to arrive late for their appointments. 4.7 The management of car parking has allowed the Belfast Trust to allocate parking for a number of user groups as well as implement parking charges. User groups and facilities are as follows: Patients / visitors designated paid parking areas provided at Belfast City Hospital, Royal Hospital and Mater Hospital (ticket and pay station system) for patients and visitors. Tariffs are displayed as hourly rates and vary on each site. There is free parking eligibility for 16
Belfast Trust patients with specific acute conditions attending hospital on a regular basis and next of kin when transporting a patient. Other discretionary situations include parents staying with sick babies or with a very sick or dying patient for example which is certified by a ward sister to a maximum of 7 days. The Hospital Travel Cost Scheme (HTCS) also provides financial assistance to low income patients which allows a reimbursement of part or full fares incurred in travelling to hospital based services if the reason for travelling to the Trust sites meets the criteria. Disabled patients / visitors reserved charged parking spaces provided in all Belfast Trust sites in a convenient location to entrances. Those using spaces without blue badges will be subject to wheel clamping. It should be noted that there is no requirement to provide free parking where parking charges apply. Staff designated charged car parking is provided on each Trust site which can be accessed using a valid parking pass for Belfast City Hospital, Royal Hospital and Mater Hospital sites. This is managed by Estates Management. All staff are subject to charges and regular car park users pay by salary deduction only (amount varies for each site). If cards are not used for 90 days they are deactivated and a new application must be made. There is a waiting list for new staff and each pass must only be used by the person to whom it was issued. Staff parking at other sites where charges are incurred, are required to pay and reclaim the charges through their expenses. Emergency services Ambulance Service Trust vehicles are exempt from charges and are not permitted to park in restricted areas during periods of driver down time. 4.8 Other user groups facilitated by the Belfast Trust in their car parks are as follows: Disabled staff; Volunteer drivers; Motorcyclists; Cyclists; and Service providers and contractors contractor vehicles are subject to charge unless allocated site compounds are agreed. 4.9 The policy allows for clamping of vehicles parked in unauthorised areas by Belfast Trust security staff and will be removed when a fine is paid (waived in exceptional circumstances except if the vehicle is obstructing traffic flow or emergency vehicles). Unauthorised areas include drop off and pick up zones, emergency hatched areas / in front of emergency exits, double yellow lines, ambulance bays, grass verges, pavements and disabled bays if no blue badge is displayed. 4.10 There may also be an opportunity to review the current parking policy to implement a points based criteria throughout the Belfast Trust sites to restrict staff bringing their cars to work. Criteria could include: 1. Mobility difficulties; 2. Essential Business Users; 3. Car sharing; 4. Out of hours work responsibilities; 5. Care commitments / responsibilities (personal circumstances); and 6. Home address too far to walk or inconvenient for using public transport. 4.11 The permit system should be fair and should be applied to all staff grades and can be controlled easily using barriers. 17
Belfast Trust Survey Data 4.12 As outlined in section 2, there are 886 respondents who stated that they drove to work as they needed their car for business trips; 716 of these respondents conduct business trips once a week or more frequently and 13 staff never conduct business travel. Also 22% of those conducting business by car (231 of 1,058) would consider using the bus or train to conduct business travel and 24% would consider using a pool car as alternative to the car. 4.13 It has been noted that 707 respondents stated they would consider home working and although staff have access to tele conferencing or video conferencing facilities it should be noted that duties associated with job roles such as home visits may not facilitate home working or smarter working methods such as home visits. Initiatives 4.14 The following initiatives have been included to make better use of car parking spaces that are currently provided at the Belfast Trust sites. (CP) Action Targets Responsibility CP1 CP2 Car Park Management: Enforce vehicle clamping at appropriate sites to ensure vehicles only park in designated areas, including disabled parking spaces; Car Park Management: Review and improve signage to clearly direct staff, visitors and patients to designated parking areas; December 2012 Belfast Trust, Facilities / Estates Management, Travel Plan coordinator Belfast Trust, Facilities / Estates Management, Travel Plan coordinator CP3 Car Park Management: Allocate car parking spaces to car sharers; Belfast Trust, Facilities / Estates Management, Travel Plan coordinator CP4 Car Park Management: Review the need for and provide covered motorcycle parking facilities, typically 3 motorcycles can be fitted into an average car parking space; Review - Implementation - Belfast Trust, Facilities / Estates Management, Travel Plan coordinator CP5 Car Park Management: Review and update the car parking policy with a view to discouraging staff and others travelling by car and to include the measures noted above; Belfast Trust, Facilities / Estates Management, Travel Plan coordinator CP6 Car Park Management: Consider the provision of a number of electric charging points for electric powered vehicles Belfast Trust, Facilities / Estates Management, DRD, coordinator 4.15 There is a potential to review the current Car Parking policy to give certain staff priority to spaces (using a fair and equitable criteria system) in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint by travelling more sustainably to and from work. Public Transport Background 4.16 Belfast Trust sites are located in the Greater Belfast area with exception to Muckamore Abbey Hospital. All sites are accessible by public transport which includes a mix of bus and train and park and ride. 18
Belfast Trust 4.17 However, using public transport can be a stressful experience as there are so many uncertainties such as the location of the bus stop, the time the bus or train leaves, whether you have enough money, whether you make your connection on time, and so on. These uncertainties can be minimised through planning and making travel information available and also by using the Translink website and call centre. 4.18 Flexitime can help to schedule the working day around catching buses and trains. There are many advantages of using public transport such as saving money on city centre parking and charged car parking within Trust sites as well as reducing the stress of finding a space. Public transport it is more environmentally friendly mode of travel. Survey Data 4.19 282 survey respondents currently use public transport on a regular basis to commute to and from work. 25% of regular lone car driver respondents stated that they would consider using public transport as a means of travelling to work. Postcode analysis also showed there is a large potential for Belfast Trust staff to travel to work by bus and train (included in Appendix B). Initiatives 4.20 The table below summarises initiatives in relation to promoting and increasing the use of public transport for commuter trips as well as for business purposes. Travel information displays will also encourage visitors and patients to use public transport and other sustainable modes. (PT) Action Targets Responsibility PT1 Public Transport: Inform staff of Public Transport facilities including the Interactive Journey Planner service, ticketing, public transport services and Park and Ride services; Plan, Communications PT2 Public Transport: Promote existing public transport services through Getting There section on website and link in with patient appointment cards; Plan, Communications PT3 Public Transport: Investigate opportunities to use the Translink s Corporate Commuter Initiative (CCI) to encourage staff to travel to work by alternative modes; Plan PT4 Public Transport: Promote TaxSmart which allows staff to purchase annual tickets via monthly payments to the Trust through salary sacrifice); ongoing Plan PT5 Public Transport: Promote Advance Salary scheme which allows Belfast Trust to purchase annual NIR tickets on behalf of staff thus facilitating monthly payments to the Trust; December 2011 Plan PT6 Public Transport: Target staff induction days for promotion of public transport, including TaxSmart and Advance Salary scheme; December 2011 Plan PT7 Public Transport: Develop document to explain public transport schemes and associated incentives, including TaxSmart and Advanced Salary scheme; November 2011 19
Belfast Trust PT8 Public Transport: Continue to introduce Infopoint Units for direct dial to Translink for Public Tranport information and provide real time travel information points in foyers to display public transport information; Plan, Facilities / Estates Management PT9 Public Transport: Consult Roads Service on the need for Real Time Information at bus stops; Plan, Roads Service, Facilities / Estates Management PT10 Public Transport:Promote internal bus service for staff which runs from Belfast City Hospital to Royal Group of Hospitals; and December 2011 Plan PT11 Public Transport:Investigate possibility to expand internal bus services between hospital facilities and link in with staff travel policy i.e. where bus is available mileage expenses are not reimbursable. December 2012, Finance 4.21 It should be noted that other integrated journeys associated with public transport travel are walk and ride and cycle and ride. These modes should be promoted in association with the need for active lifestyles and health promotion. Cycling Background 4.22 Cycling provides health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes, helps control weight and reduces stress. Cycling can often get you to work more quickly and reliably in areas where there is traffic congestion as well as providing exercise. Cycling is also good for the environment and is a relatively low cost mode of transport. 4.23 Also it is important that those staff who can cycle to work and for business purposes are encouraged to do so to reduce the number of car trips and parking pressures as well as carbon emissions. 4.24 Cycling can be promoted through Bike User Groups (BUG). A Bike User Group should be established at Belfast Trust to include employees who cycle or would like to cycle to work or for leisure. The group would meet in their own time to discuss how conditions for cyclists can be improved and to persuade more people to give cycling a try. The group should be open to all bike users and their views, ideas, needs and concerns as these are all valuable. A single representative can provide feedback at Group or management meetings to make the workplace more cycle-friendly. Survey Data 4.25 57 survey respondents cycle to work daily and 163 additional staff members cycle occasionally. Other staff members who currently do not cycle stated they would be encouraged to cycle if improvements were made at to local routes making them safer and better lit and secure cycle parking facilities were provided in a good location. 4.26 The postcode data analysis revealed that approximately 4,157 staff could be encouraged to cycle to work as they live within the 4km recommended cycling distance of their workplace. There may be a number of staff living beyond this distance willing to cycle to work so this should be treated as a guide only. 4.27 The survey data also revealed that 153 respondents would be interested in cycling for business purposes and 12 employees currently conduct business by bicycle and claim mileage allowance for such travel. 20
Belfast Trust Initiatives 4.28 The following initiatives or actions should help increase the number of Belfast Trust staff cycling to work. Cycling is ideal for short journeys and has many advantages including saving money. (C) Action Timescale Responsibility C1 Cycling: Establish a Bike User Group (BUG) within The Trust. The group would have a number of functions including arranging training days for employees, provide bike doctor and bike buddy services and take part in bike week; Sustrans, C2 Cycling: Promote Trust Cycle to Work scheme; ongoing C3 Cycling: Arrange staff discounts at local bicycle supplier stores;, BUG C4 Cycling: Investigate a pilot scheme to allow staff to either hire a bicycle or use Trust pool bicycles (if available) for a month to try out cycling; March 2013 Belfast Trust, Travel Plan C5 Cycling: Promote Bike It with Translink. All bicycles will be carried free of charge on trains (dedicated space permitting) and buses, if the bus has a boot and space available (there are no restrictions for folding bikes). However, bicycles are only permitted after 09:30 Mon-Fri;, BUG C6 Cycling: Promote health benefits of cycling and link into Active Belfast group; ongoing, BUG, Health Improvement, Active Belfast C7 Cycling: Review cycling links and signing in and around the Trust sites and implement improvements where deemed necessary; Review June2012 Implementation - Sustrans, BUG, Travel Plan, Estates Management C8 Cycling: Take part in the annual Bike to Work Week; ongoing, BUG, Health Improvement C9 Cycling: Promote staff mileage allowance for business travel by bicycle (20 per mile); C10 Cycling: Review cycle parking facilities on all Trust sites (secure and covered stands) and provide / increase / improve facilities where deemed necessary; Review June 2012 Implementation - Belfast Trust, Estates Management, BUG, C11 Cycling: Provide a number of pool bicycles at key locations; BUG, C12 Cycling: Develop cycle parking procedure and integrate into car parking policy; and Belfast Trust, Travel Plan C13 Cycling: Review existing locker, changing room and shower facilities on all Trust sites and provide / increase / improve facilities where deemed necessary. Review June 2012 Implementation - BUG,, Estates Management 21