The birthplace of the NHS goes green with bold net zero vision

Trafford General Hospital, the birthplace of the NHS, is once again making history with an ambitious £20 million transformation to become the UK’s first inpatient hospital powered by a Carbon Net Zero energy system.

Work on this trailblazing project is set to begin in January, marking a monumental step in sustainable healthcare.

The initiative, spearheaded by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), will overhaul the hospital’s outdated heating and energy systems with cutting-edge, low-carbon technology.

Thanks to an £18.9 million grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the project will not only slash energy-related emissions by an estimated 92% by 2040 but will also save up to £100,000 annually in energy costs.

Trafford General Hospital

Trafford General’s 50-year-old, fossil fuel-dependent heating system will be replaced with state-of-the-art air and water source heat pumps, supplied and installed by Dalkia, part of the EDF Group.

These modern systems represent the first phase of the hospital’s green transformation.

For Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive of MFT and a former nurse at Trafford General, this project is a career-defining moment. Reflecting on the hospital’s heritage and future, he 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.”

Green energy meets patient comfort

Beyond revolutionising its energy infrastructure, the hospital will undergo additional eco-friendly upgrades, including enhanced cavity wall insulation and an expansion of its solar panel network. These improvements will not only boost renewable energy generation but also create a more comfortable environment for patients and staff—warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Jon Kershaw, Managing Director for Dalkia, highlighted the project’s groundbreaking significance: “By replacing the hospital’s aging heating system with cutting-edge low-carbon technology, we are helping to set a new benchmark for sustainability in healthcare. This project shows the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the transition to net-zero energy systems. We are delighted to be carrying this work out at the birthplace of the NHS.”

A win for Greater Manchester

This transformative project is also a crucial milestone for Greater Manchester’s ambitious goal of achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2038. Mayor Andy Burnham praised the initiative: “This is great news for Trafford residents and beyond. It ensures the hospital continues to provide outstanding care while pioneering green energy solutions. It is another significant step toward making Greater Manchester carbon neutral.”

As the NHS’s sustainability journey progresses, Trafford General is setting the gold standard for what’s possible in healthcare.

With its legacy rooted in history and its eyes firmly on the future, the hospital is proving that innovation and care can go hand in hand—for patients and the planet alike.