Traffic congestion is a growing problem on the UK's roads

NHS Greater Glasgow is working on a radical transport policy to promote healthier travel options for its 33,000-strong workforce over the next decade.

By encouraging car sharing schemes and subsidising public transport on faster, more direct and safer networks, officials hope to improve both staff health and Glasgow's environment.

The radical green plans are being drawn up as part of a �1bn hospital modernisation programme in the city over the next 10 years.

To help drive forward the board's agenda, a transport chief is being appointed to work with local authorities and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive.

Plans could include:

• subsidised public transport schemes for staff

• improved bus, rail and subway links

• new cycle lanes

• interest free bike loans

• investment in personal patient transport services.

Paid-for car parks at city hospitals - the revenue from which could be ploughed into greener and healthier transport options - are among possible proposals.

As one of Glasgow's biggest employers, NHS Greater Glasgow said it would set new standards in reducing congestion and pollution.

Modernisation drive

New hospitals at Stobhill, Victoria, Southern General, Gartnavel, and the completion of the Glasgow Royal development, are planned as part of the modernisation drive.

Transport group chairman Jonathan Best, who is also chief executive of Yorkhill NHS Trust, said: "These plans will increase travel options to work for our staff, improve access for our staff, patients and visitors and help reduce congestion and its health-damaging pollution.

I welcome this move towards a greener health service and am pleased to see that staff will have a role in helping to develop the green travel plans for the hospital sites Bill Goudie NHS Greater Glasgow

"The health service in Glasgow, as a major employer, must develop a coordinated response to the challenges presented by transport - we must work with our 30,000-plus employees to see how we can help reduce congestion and pollution.

"It is also in the best interests of the health service now, and increasingly in the future, to reduce congestion on our roads and to help make them safer places for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and passengers."

Bill Goudie, employee director with NHS Greater Glasgow, said: "The modernisation programme provides a real opportunity to tackle some of the major issues surrounding transport problems and environmental pollution in Glasgow.