General Hospital Novo mesto mobility plan

Description

The parameters of air and noise pollution, congestions, and related accident rates are not encouraging[4], requiring urgent actions to develop a plan for sustainable mobility and behavioral travel change. Therefore, aligned with the Transport Development Strategy of the Republic of Slovenia until 2030[5], Integrated Transport Planning Act[6], Integrated Transport Strategy of Municipality of Novo mesto[7], and Comprehensive National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Slovenia (NEPN)[8], the main goal of this project is to support climate changes mitigation and reduce vulnerability to them by developing a plan for sustainable mobility management in the SB NM high-traffic location. The project will support the transition to sustainable mobility modes of the SB NM’s main stakeholders through enhanced knowledge and travel habits change for improved environmental quality and stakeholders’ health and well-being. More specifically, our goal is to increase the percentage of employees, patients, and visitors that travel to the hospital by environmentally-friendly transportation alternatives by 6 % to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. Next, we aim to improve the effectiveness of informing and raising awareness among employees and patients by 30 % on the convenient and easy-to-use sustainable mobility alternatives (e.g., regular and electric bikes, e-scooters, e-cars, pedestrian routes, buses, trains, or car-sharing) by relying on suitable information channels and new innovative IT tool. Nevertheless, we aim to upgrade the existing cycling and e-vehicles charging facilities to improve the access to sustainable transportation alternatives. Hence, the main target groups are employees, visitors, and patients of SBNM and the wider related stakeholders, such as municipalities representatives, public transport providers, NGOs, regional development agencies, and the general public.
 

Summary of project results

Mobility planning for high traffic locations in Slovenia is relatively a new instrument in the nexus of sustainable mobility. General Hospital Novo mesto is an important hub for healthcare in the region and plays a key role in providing healthcare services to many residents. It is the second largest regional and fourth largest hospital in Slovenia, which creates numerous traffic flows in the centre of Novo mesto. On an average day in 2019, the hospital had 1200 employees, 55 treated patients, 465 outpatient examinations, and additionally visitors, business visits, and freight traffic. In the same year almost 90 % of all trips in the region were made by private vehicles. Such unsustainable mobility generates pressure on local and national infrastructure, and indirect transport costs in the form of congestion, accidents, pollution and environmental degradation.

To promote sustainable mobility and reduce environmental impact, a mobility plan was developed for the General Hospital Novo mesto. Subsequently, the hospital implemented measures outlined in the plan. The project aimed to enhance sustainable mobility management at the hospital, encouraging staff, patients, and visitors to use eco-friendly transportation options such as public transport, car sharing, walking, and cycling. The mobility plan included initiatives like a bike-sharing system, electric vehicle charging stations, and an IT tool for monitoring travel habits.

The project had two thematic work packages which focused on: 1) understanding travel habits on locations with high traffic, and 2) elaboration of a mobility plan for the case of a general hospital. The purpose of the first work package was to examine the psychological, economic, and physical factors influencing stakeholders in their choice of travel modes to and from the hospital location. After an introductive theoretical framework among project partners, participatory activities were implemented (interviews, survey, workshop, and study exchanges between Slovenian and Norwegian organizations, including Nordland hospital from Bodø). The second work package was a pilot mobility plan for a high-traffic location and implementing pilot measures from the mobility plan. The mobility plan was prepared based on existing national guidelines for creating mobility plans for institutions. The mobility plan addressed traffic management challenges, raising awareness about the negative environmental impacts of transportation, promotion of healthy travel habits, and improvement of health of employees, patients, and visitors by encouraging sustainable modes of travel. In developing the mobility plan, the findings and related knowledge from quantitative and qualitative research within previous work package to create a comprehensive set of strategic and programmatic measures for promoting more sustainable mobility at the high-traffic location. Additionally, two pilot measures were implemented: a bike-sharing facility, and a charging station for alternative fuels (e-vehicles).

Two horizontal activities lasted throughout the whole project duration – project management and communication. The latter was especially recognized in a way with communication to public – about the topics of climate change, transport impact and health benefits of sustainable mobility.

The SALOMON project yielded significant outcomes across various dimensions:

1. Enhanced Sustainable Mobility Management:
   1. By actively participating in the project and developing a mobility plan, the General Hospital Novo mesto improved its sustainable mobility practices.
   2. The impact was most pronounced for hospital management, who now have a strategic framework for promoting sustainable transportation.
   3. Employees, patients, and visitors will benefit from better access to the hospital, thanks to the plan’s implementation.
2. Increased Adoption of Sustainable Travel Modes:

1. During project activities, the percentage of stakeholders using sustainable modes (walking, cycling, public transport) to reach the hospital increased by 10 %.
2. This positive shift benefits the public and all stakeholders accessing the hospital.
3. Reduced traffic-related negative impacts contribute to a healthier local environment for nearby residents and local community.

1. Implementation of Mobility Plan Measures from the mobility plan:

1. Bike-Sharing Location: A new bike-sharing system was introduced, encouraging cycling and better access to public bike-sharing system.
2. EV Charging Stations: Installation of charging points for electric vehicles promotes low-carbon mobility.
3. IT Tool for Monitoring: The hospital now monitors and promotes sustainable travel habits among stakeholders.

These measures enhance accessibility, improve pedestrian areas, and strengthen public transport connections around the hospital.

1. Increased Awareness and Recognition:
   1. Key stakeholders and the public gained better understanding of climate change, sustainable mobility, and the Norway grants mechanism.
   2. This awareness positively impacted project partners, including the Norway grants, EEA program, and Slovenian program contact point.
   3. Validating support for the right projects highlights the project’s importance.

In summary, SALOMON’s results extend beyond the hospital, benefiting the community, the environment, and broader stakeholders involved in sustainable initiatives.

Summary of bilateral results

Having bilateral partners in the project made a significant difference and played a crucial role due to enhanced collaboration and expertise sharing brought by bilateral partners with diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources. Nord University enriched the project’s approach, fostering innovative solutions and best practices from donor countries. Bilateral partners had in-depth knowledge of their respective contexts, including cultural differences, regulation and local stakeholders. Cultural exchange and joint initiatives helped build trust and understanding between countries. Bilateral partners extended the project’s reach, connecting it to wider networks and beneficiaries. Their involvement ensured that project outcomes were relevant and aligned with local needs. Their contributions amplified the project’s impact, enabling the implementation of additional measures and activities. Bilateral partnership fostered collaboration between organizations from both countries and sectors. Joint efforts led to shared results (study visits, research & development), innovative solutions (understanding and monitoring of travel habits), and a deeper understanding of complex challenges about mobility and travel habits. Knowledge exchange enhanced project effectiveness and enriched all partners’ expertise. Bilateral partnership extended project reach beyond individual organizations. The partnership was presented to wider networks, beneficiaries, and communities with political representatives. By leveraging resources and expertise, bilateral collaboration amplified impact and contributed to sustainable development goals.