£24m plans to make Scottish hospitals more energy efficient

PLANS to spend £24 million to make NHS hospital and facilities in Scotland more energy efficient have been unveiled.

The Scottish Government said the money would be spent over the next three years on a range of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gases across NHS Scotland by around 10 per cent.

Ministers say the measures should save the NHS around £4 million in energy costs each year and that the savings will be reinvested in providing frontline patient care.

The money will be awarded to green projects which can substantially reduce carbon emissions.

Projects include the installation of a biomass boiler at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, converting the heating system at Glasgow’s Gartnavel Royal Hospital from oil to gas and the installation of wind turbines to support remote health centres in the Shetland Islands.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said: “This money will play a key role in helping to make the NHS more energy efficient, and in reducing our carbon footprint.

“Going green will enable NHS boards to reduce costs, and help to ensure we have an NHS which is fit for the future.

“The £4 million that will be saved each year through this scheme will be reinvested directly into frontline patient care, ensuring patients across Scotland continue to receive the best possible care and treatment.”

Mr Neil also revealed NHS boards across Scotland delivered efficiency savings of £319 million in 2011/12 - exceeding the target of £317 million.