The NHS in England is receiving a £4m boost to roll out hundreds of new electric vehicle charging sockets across its estate.
The cash boost forms part of the Department for Transport’s NHS Chargepoint Accelerator Scheme, which builds on government funding support for the delivery of over 1,000 EV charging sockets to power electric ambulances and fleets.
This announcement brings total government investment in NHS charging infrastructure to £22m, following the Department for Health and Social Care awarding NHS trusts £10m in January and £8m awarded from DfT last year.
This funding will support the NHS to modernise some of its 20,000 strong fleet of medical vehicles, helping to decarbonise 460 million miles of travel each year.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “Backing the switch to electric for our NHS fleet will save our health sector millions and help to clean up 460 million miles worth of journeys across England – that’s good for taxpayers, patients and our communities.
“With over 116,000 public chargers now on UK roads, our investment is transforming the UK’s public charging network so more drivers can make the switch to electric with confidence.”
Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, commented: “With cleaner vehicles and lower fuel bills for the NHS, everybody wins. Savings made from this investment will be redirected back to where they’re needed – getting patients seen on time again.
“With taxpayers getting more bang for their buck and more money for patient care, there is not just a moral case for this investment, but a pragmatic one, too.
“This funding is clear proof we’re upgrading and modernising the NHS and making it fit for the next century and beyond.”
Chris Gormley, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England, said: “Moving to electric vehicles is helping to make the NHS fit for the future – providing quick response times for patients and improving air quality around hospitals.
“Thanks to this new funding and continued investment from the government, more NHS trusts will also save on fuel and maintenance costs. Zero emission vehicles are expected to save the NHS tens of millions every year, which can then be reinvested directly into frontline care for patients.”
