From Monday 22nd April 2024, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is introducing fees for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging at all its hospitals and healthcare sites. From that day, anyone using an EV charging point incurs a fee of 45p/KWh.
This charge complies with the NHSGGC EV Charging Policy, and it is in line with other public sector bodies across Scotland.
Access to EV charging sessions is through an app provided by EV charging provider Fuuse, and users need to download the app to access, and pay for, EV charging. More information on the Fuuse app can be found on the NHSGGC website.
To ensure the use of EV charging points is fair and equitable for patients, visitors, staff and members of the public alike, a maximum time limit of four hours is applied to each session, at which point drivers are required to move their vehicles. Failure to do so will incur an additional charge of £40.
NHSGGC is keen to make the change to new EV charging arrangements as smooth as possible, so it has created a list of frequently asked questions, to help address any queries or concerns people might have.
The questions and answers are listed below. However, if you have a question about EV charging that is not covered in this document, please email us: ggc.transport@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the charges being introduced?
Up until this point, NHSGGC has met the cost of EV charging equipment and the use of charging points was free for everyone. However, the cost of providing and maintaining such a service means that the implementation of a usage charge has become necessary.
The cost being implemented will allow us to continue to provide and maintain an EV infrastructure on our sites, particularly as the number of EV vehicles continues to grow.
When do the new arrangements start?
Fees for NHSGGC charging sessions will be introduced on Monday, 22nd April 2024.
What do I need to do?
Access to EV charging sessions will be through an app provided by EV charging provider Fuuse, and users will need to download the app to manage and pay for EV charging.
Detailed information on how to access a charging session will be displayed at charging points. To get the app, go to the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store and search Fuuse EV Driver App, or scan the QR Code below.
Alternatively, more information on the Fuuse app can be found here.
What are the new fees?
From 22nd April, use of EV charging points at NHSGGC sites will incur a fee of 45p/KWh. This fee is broadly in line with other public sector bodies in Scotland.
Charging sessions are limited to four hours, at which point users will be required to move their vehicle. Failure to do so will incur an additional charge of £40.
These charges are in line with the NHSGGC EV Charging Policy.
Who can use the chargers?
Chargers are available for use of patients, visitors, staff and members of the public. Some restrictions may apply at certain charging points, so we encourage users to check the information displayed at individual chargers.
We would also encourage people to be aware of the four-hour limit for a charging session, and to plan their charging session carefully so they do not incur additional charges.
Which charging points can I use?
It is important to note that users of charging points must observe the current layout and restrictions within our car parks.
For example, if a charging point is located within an area marked ‘Patients and Visitors Only’, it should not be used by staff, while a charging point within an area marked ‘Staff Permit Holders Only’ is available for use of this staff group and no other. Similarly, charging points in Staff Non-Permit parking areas are for the use only of staff who do not have permits.
Failure to observe these existing managed parking arrangements could result in drivers receiving an unauthorised parking notice.
Why am I being told to move my car?
We are aware that demand for EV charging is growing, so we needed to introduce a system that is as fair as possible for all users. The four-hour charging limit will help us to achieve that by ensuring charging points are not occupied when cars are not being charged.
We would encourage all users to make careful note of when their charging session begins so they are aware of when to move their car.
Do I have a grace period if I go over my time?
While some practical time discretion will be tolerated after the end of a charging session, users of NHSGGC charging points should not expect a grace period before they incur an additional fee.
The four-hour charging limit will help us to ensure the new charging system is as fair and equitable as possible for all users.
Can I appeal the additional charge?
If you receive an additional charge and wish to appeal, you should send an email to ggc.transport@ggc.scot.nhs.uk, including the Date, Time, Registration Number and the reason why you are appealing. Please include as much detail as possible.
Each charging station has a unique reference number to identify it in the event of an appeal, or any other issue. This number is printed on a label on the charging point, and it MUST be included in your appeal email.
The NHSGGC Corporate Transport Team will review appeals within 14 days and will inform users of their decision by return email. This decision will be final and there will be no further right to appeal.
Can I book a slot to charge my car, so the EV charging point is ready for me when I arrive at my shift or appointment?
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate a booking system for our charging points. Access to charging will be on a first-come, first-served basis only.
We are introducing a four-hour charging limit to help us to ensure the new charging system is as fair and equitable as possible for all users.
I won’t be able to fully charge my car in four hours. Surely that’s not fair?
While chargers across the NHSGGC estate are available for everyone, we encourage people to use them as a top-up service only and not to rely on them as the sole source of charge for their car.
A four-hour top-up charge is ample for people to get home, or to reach a suitable charging point outwith the NHSGGC estate, however, we would encourage people to ensure their car is appropriately charged before accessing our sites.
What about parking? Are users guaranteed a space when their charging session ends?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee parking before or after charging sessions.
EV charging points throughout NHSGGC are being offered as a top-up service only and ask that people don’t rely on them as their sole source of EV charging.
NHSGGC operates a system of managed parking across its sites, and parking arrangements will apply for everyone using our parking spaces, including those accessing out EV charging points.
I work for NHSGGC and plan to use the EV charging points. Will I get time away from my shift to move my car?
Staff will be expected to make arrangements for EV charging in their own time. NHSGGC is unable to give staff time to move their car and find alternative parking, so we would encourage anyone using EV charging points to plan their charging session carefully to ensure they can move their car.
EV charging points throughout NHSGGC are being offered as a top-up service only and we ask that people don’t rely on them as their sole source of EV charging.
I have an appointment at one of your clinics, and I should be finished in time to charge my car and get back within four hours. Can I use your charging points?
NHSGGC operates a network of charging points across its sites, and anyone is welcome to use them.
We would remind everyone that a four-hour limit applies and it is a user’s responsibility to ensure they can move their car in time.
We would encourage people to use our charging points only if they are sure they will be able to move their car in time.
Any questions?
If you have a question about EV charging that is not covered in this document, please email us: ggc.transport@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
