Investing in a healthier future with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Wednesday 13 December 2023
Salix visits University Hospital Southampton to see how a large-scale decarbonisation project will support the community
A passionate vision for a low-carbon estate that positively impacts both people and the planet is becoming a reality at University Hospital Southampton’s general hospital.
Salix were on the ground to meet with stakeholders from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and discuss a project of work they are undertaking to decarbonise the heating systems for their general hospital, and the energy efficiency and renewable energy measures that will support this.
The project, which centres around the replacement of fossil fuel boilers with low-emission air source heat pumps, has received funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Funding is being delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The hospital, which supports a population of nearly four million UK residents, has multiple specialist units and is home to the regional neurology, cardiology and cancer unit.
Hosted by associate director for estates, facilities and capital development - clinical services Paul Chamberlain and head of sustainability and energy Jason Light, we met with multiple stakeholders who are involved in the project, including chief financial officer Ian Howard, Carbon Energy Fund (CEF) and multiple members of the Veolia team, who are leading the works on behalf of the Trust.
Trust associate director of estates, facilities, capital development, clinical services Paul Chamberlain said: “We are thrilled to be able to share with Salix the scale of this exciting programme.
“This work represents the first significant enabling step of our decarbonising journey as an NHS trust.
“It marks a major commitment to reducing our environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable future, supporting the well-being of our community, staff, and the planet.”
We are thrilled to be able to share with Salix the scale of this exciting programme.
This work represents the first significant enabling step of our decarbonising journey as an NHS trust.
It marks a major commitment to reducing our environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable future, supporting the well-being of our community, staff, and the planet.
Visiting the energy centre, one of the plant rooms, the car park roof where solar powered car ports will be installed and receiving a tour of the hospital floor gave us an idea of the scale of the work that lies ahead and the complexities that the Trust faces in adapting to new low-emission technologies.
Given the nature of NHS services being based in healthcare, the project requires constant communication and coordination between all stakeholders to ensure any disruptions to the hospital’s patients services are kept to a minimum.
The vision for a low-carbon future across the Trust’s entire estate rang clear throughout the day, with our discussions often touching on how this project will support future learnings and aspirations to eventually decarbonise the full site.
There was a keen sense of excitement and passion for the difference that the project is going to make to both those that work in or use NHS services, as well as the positive impacts it will have on the environment via lowered emissions.
The Trust’s aspiration to pave the way and to share information and inspire action by both their NHS counterparts and other public sector organisations in the south of England and beyond was also clear.
Paul added: “This programme solidifies our intention to integrate environmentally responsible practices into our operations, leading to a healthier, greener, and more resilient NHS.”
This programme solidifies our intention to integrate environmentally responsible practices into our operations, leading to a healthier, greener, and more resilient NHS
The £33,384,847 project is set to receive £29,378,664 under Phase 3b of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Funding is being delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The Trust was also successful in receiving funding through Salix-delivered Low Carbon Skills Fund which helped to inform elements of the plans. This scheme is also run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
At Salix we are excited to continue to work with the passionate members of the Trust and to hear and see more about the positive impacts the project is making to the community as it progresses through to completion by March 2025.
