10% of employees working at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital say they already use active modes of transport, such as walking, cycling or running, to get to the hospital site, but 77% said they travelled alone in a private vehicle.

However, the survey found that a greater number said they "would consider switching to active means of travel if staff amenities at the hospital were improved".

In response to that, the Committee for Health and Social Care has invested in new staff changing facilities, which includes showers, an area for drying wet clothing and shift lockers. A female facility is already open and the men's changing rooms will be refurbished over the coming months.

Pictured: The new female changing rooms at the PEH.

“As part of our travel strategy we’ve listened to feedback from employees and prioritised improvements to the changing facilities,” said Jan Coleman, Hospital Modernisation Director.

“We hope that this will not only respond to issues that staff have raised and thus aid employee retention, but also encourage more staff to consider travelling to work via a healthier mode of transport rather than continued car use.”

Consultant nurse specialist Patricia McDermott, who swims before work then cycles to the hospital, said that better changing facilities would make a difference.

“The new facilities are a great improvement with plenty of lockers, lots of windows and extractor fans. They are light, airy and roomy and are inviting to use,” she said.

Pictured top: The new female changing rooms at the PEH.