Wye Valley NHS Trust has taken another significant step forward on its journey towards zero carbon following the submission of a planning application for an Energy Centre at the County Hospital.

The Trust is already fossil-fuel free in a number of its ancillary buildings on the site following the construction of a large ground-source heat pump which went live last year.

A full business case is being written and will be presented to the Trust’s Board for approval once planning consent is given.

If approved, the new Energy Centre will house six air-source and three water-to-water source heat pumps which will provide heating and hot water for the main hospital building, and further ancillary buildings via a new low temperature hot water (LTHW) network to further reduce the reliance on fossil fuel at the site.

Alan Dawson, the Trust’s chief strategy and planning officer, said: “We are already considered a pace-setter across the NHS in terms of carbon reduction with the work that has already taken place.

“This potential upgrading of the hospital’s heat energy system will deliver a significant reduction in CO² emissions, reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint and contributing to the battle to combat climate change.”

Alan added that the contractors will make every effort to minimise disruption to patients, local residents, hospital visitors and staff during the construction of the centre.

“It’s important to highlight the construction and operation of the Energy Centre will not affect the day-to-day running of the hospital which will continue as normal,” added Alan.

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Notes to Editors WVT:

For further information please contact:

John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, or Amanda Millichip/Fiona Gurney, Communication Officers, at Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928