Hospitals get £250,000 grant to upgrade old heating systems
UPGRADE: Members of the estates team examine the steam heat network at Castle Hill Hospital
By Simon Bristow
The heating systems at Hull’s two hospitals are to get a major overhaul after Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) was awarded a grant of more than a quarter of a million pounds.
The trust is among several organisations to successfully bid for a share of £13.9m from the second round of funding from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES).
The £251,381 Government grant will enable the trust to undertake critical upgrades to its heating infrastructure, which will not only enhance patient experience but improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
At Castle Hill Hospital, the funding will be channelled towards a comprehensive overhaul of the heat network, some parts of which are more than 35 years old. The plans include the installation of advanced monitoring and management controls, the replacement and enhancement of insulation, and the introduction of additional meters and heat exchangers.
Hull Royal Infirmary will undergo similar improvements to its heating network which dates back to 1973, including an upgrade of the control system and replacement of insulation.
The trust will fund part of upgrade and by modernising this infrastructure, aims to improve the energy efficiency of both hospitals and reduce wastage.
Marc Beaumont, head of sustainability at the trust, said: “We are happy to receive this funding through the HNES. It is a significant step towards our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing a more sustainable future.
“The upgrades to our heat networks will not only make us a more energy-efficient and cost-effective operation but also reaffirm our dedication to providing exceptional care in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner.”
Alex Best, the trust’s deputy director of major developments, said: “This funding is a testament to the trust’s proactive approach towards achieving our sustainability goals. Upgrading the infrastructure is essential to creating a more resilient and efficient heating system and will help us continue to deliver first-class healthcare while preserving our planet for future generations.”
The funding received by the trust is part of the £288 million Green Heat Network Fund run by the Government since 2022 to support the creation of new heat networks that use low-carbon heating sources such as heat pump, solar or geothermal energy.
The UK’s independent Climate Change Committee has recommended growing heat networks so they meet 18 per cent of UK heat demand by 2050, up from a current baseline of about two per cent.