Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has achieved ‘Good’ Modeshift STARS accreditation, recognising its commitment to improving everyday journeys for staff, patients and visitors.
The accreditation marks an important milestone for the hospital, following several years of planning, partnership working and practical action to make it easier for people to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport when travelling to and from the site.
The application process was made possible by colleagues working in the Trust’s subsidiary, Derbyshire Support & Facilities Services (DSFS).
Steve Hustler, Director of Operations (Estates and Facilities) for DSFS, praised the achievement and the efforts of teams involved:
‘I am delighted to see our colleagues’ hard work and dedication recognised through this accreditation. This shows we are truly inspired and focused on delivering a better, healthier and more sustainable future for all.’
Chesterfield Royal Hospital achieved its Good Accreditation by introducing a wide range of initiatives that support and encourage sustainable travel for staff, visitors, and patients. This work began with a comprehensive staff travel survey to understand how colleagues commute and identify opportunities for improvement.
Key improvements implemented as part of the Travel Plan include:
- Enhanced active travel routes, including on-site footpaths and a pedestrian/cycle link connecting the hospital to the Chesterfield East–West cycle route
- Staff showers to support those travelling by foot or bike
- Free adult cycle training for staff
- Cycle stands, shelters and access to the Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
- Improved public transport facilities, including NHS bus discounts, modern bus shelters, digital information displays and timetable stands
- Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points for staff and visitors
- An electric car lease scheme for colleagues
- Comprehensive sustainable travel information available through the staff intranet
Promoting sustainable travel helps reduce the hospital’s carbon emissions, improves staff health and wellbeing, eases pressure on parking, reduces local air pollution, and saves money for both individuals and the organisation.
Having an effective Travel Plan is also a requirement when applying for planning permission for new developments – including major schemes such as the hospital’s new Emergency Department.
Derbyshire County Council Sustainable Travel Team worked closely with DSFS colleagues to shape and strengthen the Travel Plan.
Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, said:
‘I’m pleased the county council has been able to support the hospital to implement the Modeshift STARS programme, bringing all the hospital’s travel initiatives under one roof. Congratulations to all involved in ensuring this work carried out by the hospital receives the recognition it deserves.’
The accreditation supports the Trust’s wider sustainability ambitions, helping to deliver high‑quality patient care while reducing environmental impact, improving health outcomes, and progressing towards net zero carbon emissions through responsible resource use and sustainable ways of working.
