The scheme is being piloted with two WeCar vehicles at the Trust’s Norwich site, (where there are 146 Trust employees), that can be used for any business related journey.

Through WeCar, Enterprise has enabled the Trust to get rid of its site-based pool car, thus reducing admin and travel costs and lowering its carbon footprint. Trust employees will be discouraged from using their own vehicles for business journeys, to reduce the cost, risk and carbon associated with this method of travel.

As the first NHS Trust to use WeCar, NCHC will offer these vehicles to employees who might otherwise use their own cars for short business journeys in and around Norwich. Enterprise is also working with the Trust to help create a broader, more sustainable transport strategy for its employees.

Samantha Whiteley, project manager at NCHC NHS Trust, added: 'WeCar is ideal for us. Enterprise offers all the flexibility of a car club that hires by the hour but with the added bonus that it can also offer cost-effective daily and longer-term rentals when we need them.

'Enterprise also participated in a number of travel road shows held at three of our larger locations, to introduce our employees to the various sustainable transport options now or soon to be available. Our aim is to be innovative in our travel policy wherever we can, which will help us to reduce emissions and lower our fleet costs. 

Rob Ingram, director of business rental at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, commented: 'WeCar means that NCHC employees in Norwich have easy access to two modern, low-emission cars rather than having to use their own private vehicles, which are often older and produce more CO2. Also, the Trust no longer has to pay mileage reimbursement or worry about the risk profile of employees driving their own cars.

'The Trust is looking to take a more sustainable approach to transport generally. In addition to WeCar and our daily rental services, NHS employees are being encouraged to use public transport, bicycles, and where possible, to avoid travel altogether through teleconferencing.'