NHS Glasgow have taken “a major step forward” with their new fleet of vehicles.

The health board is celebrating the arrival of NHS Scotland’s first fully electric 16.7-tonne truck and a full fleet of electric smart cars.

The truck – a Volvo FL Electric – is the first of its kind to be used by any health board in Scotland, and is one of two joining the NHSGGC fleet.

Alongside the delivery of the 17 smart e-cars, it represents an investment of more than £760,000 in green transport, and marks a significant milestone in the health board’s commitment to sustainable transport.

Paul Reid, Head of Transport and Travel for NHSGGC, said: “The delivery of these new e-vehicles is a great moment for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

“The e Volvo trucks will be used to transport laundry between our hospital sites and the health board’s central laundry unit in Hillington, Glasgow, while the new smart cars will replace a range of existing pool cars that are used in a number of roles by our staff.

“The smart car comes with a range of 260 miles from full charge which will help staff carry out community-based patient care in a zero emissions car.

“The significance of this latest procurement by NHSGGC cannot be underestimated and, as well as being a considerable financial investment, it represents a huge step forward in our sustainable transport goals.”

The latest arrival of electric vehicles is part of a wider five-year Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy which was officially launched last month.

The strategy, which was endorsed by the Board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last month, sets out in detail its plans to tackle the climate emergency.

The strategy will be reviewed every five years so that it can evolve to reflect NHSGGC's progress and changing national and international priorities.

It sets out a range of objectives covering all areas of national policy requirements, with a particular focus on five key areas including: Transport Fleet Energy and Transport, Waste Management, Energy, Green Theatres Project, and Environmental Management. Martin Johnston, Head of Sustainability at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Sustainability is already central to a huge amount of work we do here at NHSGGC, and we have made real strides towards our net zero targets and wider environmental goals.

“The arrival of these new vehicles is one of the clearest demonstrations yet of the health board’s commitment to sustainability and net zero, in transport and in services across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”