In January, work will begin to transform Trafford General Hospital into the UK’s first inpatient hospital with a Carbon Net Zero energy system.

Trafford General Hospital is seen as the birthplace of the NHS.

The project will replace the hospital’s ageing heating and energy infrastructure with cutting-edge, low-carbon technology.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has secured £18.9 million in funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to fund the project.

It is estimated that the project will cut energy-related emissions by an estimated 92% by 2040, and will also save up to £100,000 annually on energy costs.

The first phase of the project will see the transformation of the hospital’s 50-year-old, fossil fuel-reliant heating system, with state-of-the-art air and water source heat pumps to replace the outdated natural gas heating.

Mark Cubbon, chief executive of MFT said: “This pioneering scheme is fantastic news as we work towards making the NHS Carbon Net Zero. For our patients, staff, and communities, it demonstrates our commitment to improving the environment and tackling the broader causes of health inequality. Trafford General has an incredible heritage, and this project reinforces the hospital’s legacy as a symbol of progress; honouring its role as the birthplace of the NHS while paving the way for a greener, healthier future.”

Kathy Cowell, Trust chair, said: “This historic step shows that the future of Trafford General Hospital is just as bright as its past. We are very proud to be playing such a major role in the plans of both the NHS and Greater Manchester to become Carbon Net Zero, with all the environmental and health benefits which this will bring for generations to come.”