NHS Western Isles Launches Feasibility Study to Enhance Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Across Key Hospital Sites

NHS Western Isles is pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive feasibility study to improve accessibility within the grounds of three major hospital sites in the Western Isles: Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh in Benbecula, and St. Brendan’s Hospital in Barra.

With support from the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme, this project aims to promote walking, wheeling, and cycling as practical, attractive options for patients, staff, and the wider community. The initiative is part of a national movement to enhance active travel opportunities, improving the convenience, safety, and accessibility of hospital grounds.

Active travel specialists have been appointed to conduct the study and are expected to deliver findings by March 2025. Public input is essential to the success of this project, and we invite the community to share their thoughts and ideas by participating in a short survey.

Feedback from local residents, patients, and staff will be instrumental in shaping the development of future accessibility improvements across the three sites. Your voice matters—contribute to this meaningful project to help create hospital grounds that better serve everyone in our community.

In order to try and get as much feedback as possible from the local community, the Active Travel Specialists will be based at various locations throughout the Western Isles between Friday 8th November and Monday 11th November:

• 8th and 9th November – Stornoway
• 10th November and 11th November (morning) – Balivanich
• 11th November (afternoon) – Barra

Please visit: ethos.govocal.com/en-GB/projects/nhswi-active-travel to find out more and to participate in the survey.

For more information, please contact: Graeme Brown, Regional Director, Ethos graemebrown@ethosconsultants.co.uk