150 staff at Newham Hospital loaned Brompton Bikes
More than 150 staff at Newham Hospital have taken advantage of the Brompton Bikes Wheels for Heroes initiative.
To mark Cycle to Work Day, 6 August, we hear from staff about how the bikes have benefitted them.
In April 2020, Brompton Bikes started the ‘Wheels for Heroes’ initiative to crowdfund enough funds for 1,000 NHS bikes, to thank NHS workers for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic. The main aim of the initiative was to support a permanent legacy of safe, low-cost travel for the country’s healthcare staff going forward as well as encouraging groups with lower tendacies to cycle to give cycling a go.
So far, thousands of staff have signed up to scheme, including across Barts Health. So far, precisely 154 staff at Newham Hospital are currently taking advantage and using the bikes to get to and from work.
Catriona Rowland, Quality Improvement Manager at Newham Hospital and cycle champion, said:
“Using the Brompton Bike has allowed me to get to work without using public transport, which has been invaluable during the pandemic. I’ve wanted to start cycling as a mode of transport for a long time but I’ve never had the confidence to start properly. This opportunity has been amazing for finally getting me on the saddle!”
Catriona Rowland leads on WeCycle, a project aimed at improving staff wellbeing through cycling. You can visit the WeImprove Board in zone 5 of Newham Hospital to find out more or email Catriona to get involved.
Here’s what our other staff have said:
Cycle to Work Day: Gicyl Mabayag, scrub nurse
Cycle to Work Day: Eleanor Williamson, volunteer
Cycle to Work Day: Predrag Trbojevic, physiotherapist
Cycle to Work Day: Millie Warwick, healthcare assistant