Staff at St Helier Hospital could be forced to leave their cars at home and find alternative means of transport if new environmentally-friendly travel plans are given the go-ahead.

But the prospect of bosses at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust introducing the new measures under its recently launched Green Travel Plan has sparked an angry backlash from staff claiming it will make their lives a misery.

A source who contacted the Guardian after workers at the hospital were called into a meeting, said feelings were running high over the plans which could see the introduction of car sharing and increased use of public transport.

"The implications are that for some people it will mean they will have to take two buses to get to work, which could take them up to an hour in travelling time rather than a 15 minute drive.

"It's not that people don't appreciate the idea behind the plan but it's just not practical for hospital staff. There wouldn't be any complaints if people worked nine to five but that's not ever been the case."

The source said bosses were put on the spot when asked how certain staff would be able to run clinics at different hospitals relying solely on public transport.

"One of my friends has to go to other sites to hold clinics which means taking equipment and drugs along.

"The directors suggested a shuttle bus could be put

on once an hour but what if was late or you missed it,

you would have to wait another hour to hold the clinic."

Concerns were also raised by female staff members worried about taking public transport on their own at night.

A spokesman for the Trust said the proposals were still in their infancy.

Both staff and unions would be consulted before a policy was introduced.

"We understand that it is not practical or realistic to create a one-model-fits-all programme for travel. We also understand that it is not practical for all staff to take alternative forms of transport to the car.

"We will not consider introducing a policy that might put staff at increased risk, particularly when working on shifts."

She said the plan had been developed in line with a Government directive aimed at reducing the number of people employed by trusts and public organisations driving to work.

It would, she said, help with traffic congestion easing present difficulties for patients, visitors and staff to park at certain times of the day.

A travel plan co-ordinator would also be appointed to implement the new measures and provide a journey planning

service for those commuting.

May 29, 2003 11:00