About the Project

The NHS is the largest single employer in Scotland, with approximately 160,000 staff members who treat over 20 million patients annually across a variety of clinical settings. This results in a significant number of travel events throughout the NHS Scotland network, which includes both planned journeys, such as staff commuting, and unplanned ones, including emergency ambulance services.

The aim of Future Forecasts is to reduce the environmental impact of all planned and unplanned travel associated with the healthcare system. This includes reducing the carbon footprint linked to NHS Scotland’s travel by increasing the efficiency of NHS Scotland’s vehicle fleet and promoting vehicle recycling. Additionally, we aim to increase active travel and its associated health benefits by providing infrastructure such as showers and bike storage areas. Working closely with NHS Scotland colleagues across various services, including clinical and professional areas, we will develop scenarios for the future of healthcare transport. This scenario planning—essentially forecasting likely future travel requirements—will aid in long-term planning and inform decisions that promote sustainability.