New fleet of electric cars up and running for NHS

NHS Shetland has leased 24 new electric cars to help its staff get around the isles while cutting the health board’s carbon footprint.

The 24 MG4 vehicles are now up and running, taking the board’s electric car fleet up to 35.

And 22 electric charging points have also been installed at NHS locations around Shetland to help keep the cars on the road.

NHS Scotland is aiming to become a net zero health service by 2040, with all of its vehicles to be net zero emission vehicles by the end of 2025.

The latest fleet of cars means 75 per cent of NHS Shetland’s vehicles are now electric, and board chairman Gary Robinson said this was “an important step” which demonstrates their commitment to tackling climate change.

Charging points have been installed in the following locations for use with NHS Shetland vehicles only: Unst Health Centre, Yell Health Centre, Whalsay Health Centre, Brae Health Centre, Bixter Health Centre, Hillswick Health Centre, Levenwick Health Centre, Lerwick Health Centre and Scalloway Hub.

Four charging points have also been installed at Montfield.

COMMENTS(5)

Add Your Comment
  • Mr ian Tinkler

    • June 12th, 2023 14:29

    I thought the NHS was short of funds. A pity most of the power for these new cars will be Gremister diesel generated. (80%) for the next year or so. The green hogwash brigade strikes again!

    REPLY
  • peter smith

    • June 12th, 2023 16:38

    NHS Scotland ……with all of its vehicles to be net zero emission vehicles by the end of 2025.
    Really?
    The Scottish Ambulance Service is part of NHS Scotland and looking at the fleet list on its website there are hundreds and hundreds of diesel vehicles listed. Given the time to build, and the cost of, a new ambulance, I think their claim needs to be taken with not a pinch, but a packet of salt!

    REPLY
  • Mr ian Tinkler

    • June 12th, 2023 18:56

    Board chairman Gary Robinson. Enough said! Hydrogen-powered suppository could be a Good green idea.

    REPLY
  • Howard jones

    • June 18th, 2023 11:11

    The problem is not the electric vehicles but the lack of infrastructure and lack of proper siting .The council in Harris for example I know even have physical signage to a now decommissioned early charge point with no notice it on it to tell you this.Fine if you are a local and know.it is just like having a horse and searching for stage coach inn to stop and refuel.

    REPLY

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.