Staff Cycle-to-work Bike Week

In support of the Cycling UK, Bike Week 2024 Campaign (10th – 14th June), NHS Western Isles' Health Improvement Department invited staff who cycled to work on Friday 14th June to claim their very own goody bag; comprising Walk on Hebrides project backpack, cycle seat cover, sweat bands, sunscreen and a travel mug.

This week, Dana Riller, NHS Western Isles Staff Nurse, collected her reward, arriving on her impressive Cube E-bike, purchased with support from the NHS Western Isles Cycle-to-work scheme. 

Dana, who is thrilled with her E-bike, commented that she recently had tougher mountain bike tyres fitted through the local BeSpoke Bicycles (Hebrides) Ltd, which now enables her to tackle the Castle Grounds Mountain Bike Trails.

Dana, who also regularly cycles to work from her home near Stornoway, said “It's great fun, and I also really enjoy cycling the new Steinish Circular Costal Trail. As it's my day off today, I'm just going to take the bike around Tong".

There are many studies evidencing the physical and mental health benefits of cycling, however the size of Dana's smile, the glow from her face and twinkle in her eyes in these photographs, might be all the evidence NHS Western Isles staff need to get in the bike saddle themselves.

Dana was presented with her well deserved reward by Laura Macleod, Health Improvement Practitioner, who is developing the NHS Western Isles Active and Sustainable Travel Policy with local and national colleagues. The policy outlines NHS Western Isles incentives for walking, wheeling and cycling, such as the Walk on Hebrides project, the soon-to-be constructed Staff Bike Shelters and upcoming Staff Pool Bike scheme for short-journeys between all suitable NHS Western Isles sites. 

Colum Durkan, Director of Public Health, commented, “Well done Dana! The Active and Sustainable Travel Policy is reflective of NHS Western Isles' commitment to maximise its role as an anchor institution, to enable more active and sustainable modes of travel for our patients and staff."

The Western Isles Hospital and Dental Unit have been accredited with a Cycling Friendly Employer award from @CyclingScotland, the nation’s cycling organisation in November 2023 (visit https://cycling.scot/what-we-do). We are working towards achieving this award for our other NHS Western Isles sites. The award recognises workplaces, schools, community groups and campuses across Scotland for their commitment to making it easier for more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

In addition, NHS Western Isles continues to work with Paths for All to promote walking across the Western Isles, and for further information on being physically active through Health Walks in your area, visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk/walk-project/Walk-on-Hebrides