A MAJOR £14 million investment is set to transform energy use at Tameside Hospital.
New low-carbon technology is expected to cut emissions at the site in Ashton-under-Lyne by more than 2,000 tonnes a year.
The project, delivered in partnership with Vital Energi and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, will see the construction of a new energy centre featuring a 2MW heat pump system. This includes a mix of air and water source heat pumps, alongside modern low-temperature hot water boilers.
As part of the overhaul, outdated gas boilers will be replaced, including a new air source heat pump installation in the hospital’s Pathology block. The wider scheme also involves “de-steaming” the hospital’s heating and hot water systems – an upgrade designed to improve efficiency and reduce wasted heat.
Hundreds of upgrades across the site are also planned, from improved insulation and smarter building management systems to solar panels and more than 500 LED light fittings.
Hospital bosses say the changes will not only reduce the site’s environmental impact but also cut energy bills – freeing up money for patient care.
John Runniff, Account Development Manager at Vital Energi, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside the Trust on a project that will make a real difference to carbon reduction, energy efficiency and ultimately patient care.
“By integrating innovative heat pump technology, de-steaming ageing infrastructure and delivering a comprehensive package of energy-saving measures, we’re transforming the estate in a way that will deliver long-term operational and environmental benefits.
“This investment represents a major step in the Trust’s decarbonisation journey, and we’re delighted to support them in delivering this scheme which reduces carbon emissions, cuts energy costs, and strengthens the resilience of healthcare services.”
Ian Hinitt, Head of Estates at Tameside Hospital, added: “We are delighted to be working with Vital Energi on this milestone project to de-steam the heating infrastructure, whilst improving reliability and resilience of our engineering plant.”
The scheme is being delivered through the Carbon and Energy Fund framework, with additional backing from Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme – run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance.
Mark Kay, Project Manager at the Carbon and Energy Fund, said: “Through the Carbon and Energy Fund framework, we developed the procurement route and provided programme management to support Tameside Hospital in moving from ambition to delivery.
“The project demonstrates how well-planned investment can cut carbon emissions, modernise essential infrastructure and create more efficient, resilient healthcare environments, while ensuring value for money and continuity of patient services.”
The project forms part of wider efforts to meet NHS net zero targets, with similar schemes being rolled out across the country to modernise ageing infrastructure while reducing environmental impact.