Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and has been officially accredited with a ‘Good’ Level Modeshift STARS Travel Plan, recognising its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable, accessible, and healthier travel for staff, patients, and visitors.

This accreditation follows the successful approval of the hospital’s Modeshift STARS application, reflecting several years of development, planning, and collaboration across the organisation and beyond. The Trust’s accreditation remains valid until 3 February 2029, after which we can reapply or progress to the next accreditation level.

The application process was enabled thanks to the work of colleagues in the Trust’s wholly owned subsidiary, Derbyshire Support & Facilities Services (DSFS).

Steve Hustler, Director of Operations (Estates and Facilities) for DSFS, praised the achievement and the efforts of teams involved: “I am delighted to see our colleagues’ hard work and dedication recognised through this accreditation. This shows we are truly inspired and focused on delivering a better, healthier and more sustainable future for all.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital achieved its Good Accreditation by introducing a wide range of initiatives that support and encourage sustainable travel for staff, visitors, and patients. This work began with a comprehensive staff travel survey to understand how colleagues commute and identify opportunities for improvement.

Key improvements implemented as part of the Travel Plan include:

• Enhanced active travel routes, including on-site footpaths and a pedestrian/cycle link connecting the hospital to the Chesterfield East–West cycle route
• Staff showers to support those travelling by foot or bike
• Free adult cycle training for staff
• Cycle stands, shelters and access to the Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
• Improved public transport facilities, including NHS bus discounts, modern bus shelters, digital information displays and timetable stands
• Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points for staff and visitors
• An electric car lease scheme for colleagues
• Comprehensive sustainable travel information available through the staff intranet

Promoting sustainable travel helps reduce the hospital’s carbon emissions, improves staff health and wellbeing, eases pressure on parking, reduces local air pollution, and saves money for both individuals and the organisation.

Having an effective Travel Plan is also a requirement when applying for planning permission for new developments — including major schemes such as the hospital’s new Emergency Department.

Modeshift STARS is a national programme that supports organisations to create, deliver, and monitor effective Travel Plans. Developed in partnership with NHS England, the STARS Healthcare framework enables healthcare sites to adopt and promote sustainable and active travel choices.

Since its launch in 2008, more than 6,000 sites across the UK have achieved Modeshift STARS accreditation, helping drive improvements in sustainable travel, reduce carbon emissions, and support healthier lifestyles.

The Trust was also supported by the Derbyshire County Council Sustainable Travel Team, who worked closely with DSFS colleagues to shape and strengthen the Travel Plan.

Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, said: “I’m pleased the county council has been able to support the hospital to implement the Modeshift STARS programme, bringing all the hospital’s travel initiatives under one roof. Congratulations to all involved in ensuring this work carried out by the hospital receives the recognition it deserves.”

The accreditation supports the Trust’s wider sustainability ambitions, helping to deliver high‑quality patient care while reducing environmental impact, improving health outcomes, and progressing towards net zero carbon emissions through responsible resource use and sustainable ways of working.