As well as being good for the environment, cycling to work is great for the mental and physical health of our staff and is a very cost-effective mode of travel. We encourage our staff to travel to work using active transport (walking/cycling) as well as other sustainable transport options like public transport or car sharing.

The Trust is signed up to the Department for Transport ‘s Cycle to Work Guarantee, offering secure, safe and accessible bike parking facilities for all staff who want them.

We are happy to offer support to staff who wish to cycle to work.

For more information, please contact Debby Sanderson via email: Debby.Sanderson@stsft.nhs.uk or call ext. 2975 (if ringing from Sunderland hospitals, please put ‘71’ before the extension number i.e. 712975).

Bicycle User Group

The new trust-wide Bicycle User Group (“BUG”) is live. The BUG is a great way to receive updates on cycling, or to ask questions (i.e. best cycle route into my hospital, etc.)

Email: bicycleusergroup@chsft.nhs.uk if you wish to join. Staff with a South Tyneside email address can also join and will receive updates just like staff with “@chsft.nhs.uk” email address. This group will be migrated alongside the other email groups with the future move to NHSMail.

Cycles on Trains and the Metro

Non-folding bikes can be taken on any Northern or Grand Central Train, subject to space. At limited times non-folding bikes can be taken on the Metro system between certain stations, which does include the stations in and around Sunderland. For all three rail operators, folding bikes are treated in the same way as luggage and have no restriction when folded up.

Further info can be found at the links below:

Storage at Work

All of our sites have capacity to lock up cycles for patients, visitors or staff. Additionally, there are dedicated secure staff cycle stores at the following locations:

  • Sunderland Royal Hospital (in the Main Building, floor A, back of the catering entrance).
  • Sunderland Eye Infirmary (cycle store as an outhouse).

For staff swipe access into cycle storage areas, contact Andy Brown, Estates Officer on  ext. 49268 for activation of your ID badge, email: Andrew.Brown@choice.chsft.nhs.uk

For details of where the cycle storage accesses are located, please ring Security on ext. 49185 or 47678 (bleep 51451) they will be able to provide this information.

Access into the staff change area/showers on ‘B’ floor is set on default, and your staff ID swipe will automatically allow you into this location.  If you require a permanent locker for your belongings in the staff change area, please complete this form for a locker and take in person to the Linen Department on ‘A’ floor of the hospital (near dining room).

Cycling to Clarendon

Cycle Map

Cycle maps South Tyneside can be found at the following link: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/38169/Cycling

Cycle Racks are provided on site.

Staff Cycling

Clarendon has dedicated lockable cycle shelter in the main car park, the key for that can be obtained from reception.

Staff Changing Facilities

Clarendon has shower facilities for staff on the ground and first floors.

Cycling to South Tyneside District Hospital

Cycle Map

Cycle maps South Tyneside can be found at the following link: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/38169/Cycling

Cycles on the Metro

Folding bikes are allowed on the Metro at any time if fully folded.

Non-folding bikes can be taken on the Metro between Gateshead Stadium-South Shields/South Hylton (which includes Tyne Dock) Monday to Friday 10am-3pm, then after 7pm, and anytime at weekends. Each Metrocar has space for one non-folding bike located near the perch seat. The space is also used by wheelchair users and customers with pushchairs. Those users have priority.

Cycle Racks are provided on site.

Staff Cycling

There are lockable sheds for staff on site.

Staff Changing Facilities

The main changing and shower facilities at main site are in the pathology corridor. That’s through the main entrance, directly ahead until you hit the a main hospital corridor, turn left and then turn right at the pathology signage, follow the corridor along and the changing area is sign posted. This area has access control so staff may need to attend the security office for access to be arranged as a one off.

Cycling to Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Cycle Map

Cycle maps for Sunderland can be found at the following link: http://www.gosmarter.co.uk/resources?category%5B0%5D=12&page=1

Cycles on Trains

Non-folding bikes can be taken on any Northern or Grand Central Train to/from Sunderland, subject to space. Folding bikes are treated in the same way as luggage and have no restriction when folded up.

Cycles on the Metro

Folding bikes are allowed on the Metro at any time if fully folded.

Non-folding bikes can be taken on the Metro between Gateshead Stadium-South Shields/South Hylton (which includes Park Lane) Monday to Friday 10am-3pm, then after 7pm, and anytime at weekends. Each Metrocar has space for one non-folding bike located near the perch seat. The space is also used by wheelchair users and customers with pushchairs. Those users have priority.

Cycle Racks are located in front of the Outpatients B Main Entrance and are coloured orange.

Staff Cycle Store

There is a dedicated Staff Secure Cycle Store behind the Infirmary (a stand-alone white portakabin). Access is by digital combination lock – enquire at the porter’s office inside Outpatients B Main Entrance for the code and for any other assistance.

Staff Changing Facilities

There are shower and changing facilities in the Infirmary – follow signs for the Cataract Treatment Centre. There are also additional changing rooms on the third floor.

Cycling to Sunderland Royal Hospital

Cycle Map

Cycle map for Sunderland can be found at the following link: http://www.gosmarter.co.uk/resources?category%5B0%5D=12&page=1

Cycles on Trains

Non-folding bikes can be taken on any Northern or Grand Central Train to/from Sunderland, subject to space. Folding bikes are treated in the same way as luggage and have no restriction when folded up.

Cycles on the Metro

Folding bikes are allowed on the Metro at any time if fully folded.

Non-folding bikes can be taken on the Metro between Gateshead Stadium-South Shields/South Hylton (which includes Millfield) Monday to Friday 10am-3pm, then after 7pm, and anytime at weekends. Each Metrocar has space for one non-folding bike located near the perch seat. The space is also used by wheelchair users and customers with pushchairs. Those users have priority.

Cycle Racks are provided on site at various locations and are usually coloured silver or blue.

Staff Cycle Store

There is a dedicated Staff Secure Cycle Store in the Main Building on floor A, just inside the catering back entrance at the back of the building. Access is by swipecard and is equipped with tools, a pump and CCTV monitoring.

Staff Changing Facilities

As you are leaving the Cycle store, turn right, then left and go through the double doors. Head for the canteen entrance on floor A’s main corridor. Opposite the canteen entrance is staircase 12 and the lifts. From there, follow signs for “Staff Facilities” on floor B.

Email Enquiries@choice.chsft.nhs.uk  for further information and access.

Mileage

Like car mileage, a mileage allowance can be claimed when cycling on NHS business. Email Expenses.admin@chsft.nhs.uk for further information.

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