SUFFOLK health bosses are urging staff to cut down on car journeys as part of its responsibilities to tackle the global challenge of climate change.The Suffolk Primary Care Trust (PCT), based at Bramford, has told staff to share vehicles, to only travel to meetings when vital and to use bicycles instead.

SUFFOLK health bosses are urging staff to cut down on car journeys as part of its responsibilities to tackle the global challenge of climate change.

The Suffolk Primary Care Trust (PCT), based at Bramford, has told staff to share vehicles, to only travel to meetings when vital and to use bicycles instead.

The recommendations are part of a wider environment policy set out to stall climate change, which includes sourcing goods from the area rather than further afield, stepping up recycling, educating staff, working with the community and building sustainable buildings.

Its new look at travel means incentives are being provided to make staff to share vehicles, all company cars exceed the minimum requirements on emissions set by the government and it is increasing the rates paid to staff for bike journeys, as well as providing bike storage and shower facilities.

The PCT's chief executive Carole Taylor-Brown said: “As a local leader of the NHS, the PCT has particular responsibilities to support NHS-specific and wider plans to tackle the effects of climate change and to support environmental sustainability.

“Climate change is now recognised as one of the most significant challenges facing the world.

“As one of the largest organisations in Europe, the NHS can make a significant contribution to the UK's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the major impact that climate change will have.

“Many of these will directly affect the health of the population, particularly the least advantaged in society, through changing the pattern of disease and creating a more challenging and unpredictable environment in which the NHS will operate.”

The PCT is a member of the Suffolk Strategic Partnership which is aiming to make Suffolk the greenest county.

What can the Suffolk health service do to tackle climate change? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.