The First Community cycling physio bringing NHS health care door to door
First Community provides NHS healthcare services across east Surrey, which is quite a significant geographical footprint with lots of challenging country roads. When Lisa Croggon, a specialist physiotherapist, joined First Community she wanted to travel by bike to provide her community physiotherapy service.
Lisa, supported by First Community, took a smart and flexible approach to overcome the geographical challenge. Where possible, Lisa groups her visits into local patches, places her bike in the boot of her car, and drives to the area she'll be working in for the day-or part of the day. Once parked safely, Lisa completes her visits by bike before returning to the car for her onward journey.
This innovative approach brings multiple benefits including:
- Reduced fuel costs
- Improved personal wellbeing and fitness and
- A more environmentally friendly way of working.
Adrian Baillieu Director of Finances and Resources commented, "At First Community sustainability is a key pillar of our strategic plan for the organisation. I am very proud to see Lisa adapting cycling into her daily visits. I congratulate Lisa, for thinking creatively, overcoming challenges, and making such a positive impact-for herself, the team, and the environment. I encourage more colleagues to consider this approach. First Community supports all colleagues to purchase bikes and equipment by our salary sacrifice scheme."
You can read more about First Community's approach to sustainability and Green Plan for the future here.