E-cargo bikes could help staff get to patients faster

Guy’s and St Thomas’ trialled an e-cargo bike to test whether it will help staff beat London traffic to get to patients faster – while reducing carbon emissions from travel.

The pilot scheme saw 9 members of the @home service at Elmcourt health centre in West Norwood use the e-cargo bike instead of pool cars, public transport or personal bikes to visit patients in their homes.

The Trust worked with EAV, an e-cargo bike supplier, which provided the bike for the trial. Staff were given on-road cycle training sessions with an instructor from Bikeworks ahead of the trial.

The @home service includes nurses, therapists, doctors, pharmacists and social workers who support patients to get home sooner or avoid hospital altogether, freeing up hospital beds at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Harriet Slade, deputy service lead for the @home service at Guy's and St Thomas', said: “It’s great to have taken part in this trial as it could mean our staff are able to reach patients homes faster and provide the vital treatment they need, while using alternative, sustainable modes of travel that improve our carbon footprint.

Tim Le Rougetel, sustainable travel officer at Guy's and St Thomas', said: “E-cargo bikes can travel through areas restricted to general motor traffic including low traffic neighbourhoods and parks and open spaces. There are no parking restrictions or permits required. It also has up to 150kg storage capacity – more than enough to fit the @home service equipment including bulky items like commodes.”

Find out more about our green travel plan.