NHS trust seeks planning approval to drive forward net zero ambitions at Wansbeck General Hospital 

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has submitted a planning application as part of ambitious plans to decarbonise parts of its estate and support the NHS target of reaching net zero by 2040.

The trust is seeking permission from Northumberland County Council install a combined ground source and water source heat pump system powered by electricity at Wansbeck General Hospital.

If approved, the innovative scheme will involve drilling two boreholes on the site to access and use naturally warm underground water from historic mine workings to provide heating and hot water to the hospital. Alongside the boreholes, two observation wells will be drilled. The boreholes and observation wells will be drilled at two locations across the hospital site with each expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete.

If approved, work is expected to begin in summer 2026 and is hoped to be completed by early 2028.

A key focus of the project is to minimise any impact on residents and those visiting the hospital. Careful planning is in place to reduce disruption wherever possible, with works being managed sensitively to maintain safe access and control noise disruption.

By replacing fossil fuels such as gas and oil, the system is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions and improve the long-term sustainability of the site.

The project forms part of the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, through which the trust has secured more than £20 million in funding to reduce the carbon footprint of its estate. Northumbria Healthcare is one of just nine public sector organisations – and only three NHS trusts in the North East – to receive funding in this round.

Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, the estates and facilities subsidiary of the trust said: “We’re delighted to have reached this important milestone with the submission of our planning application.

“This project is an important step in our journey towards net zero. As hospitals use large amounts of energy, moving away from fossil fuel heating will help cut our carbon emissions and reduce energy costs over time.

“We have carefully considered the environmental, financial and operational aspects of the scheme and are working closely with partners including the Mining Remediation Authority and the Environment Agency to minimise disruption and ensure the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

“As an NHS organisation, we are committed to caring for patients today and safeguarding the health of future generations, with more sustainable estates playing a key role in that ambition.”

The hospital trust has committed to ensuring that everyone is informed and kept up to date with the progress of the project.