HUNDREDS of solar panels have been installed at a Wirral hospital as part of a major carbon reduction programme.

The 400 panels aim to help Spire Murrayfield generate 15% of the hospital’s annual electrical needs and cut overall carbon output by 35 tonnes.

The installation is part of a programme across Spire Healthcare, to put in place more than 12,000 solar panels at all of its 38 hospitals across England, Wales and Scotland this year, backed by an investment of £5.2m.

Nationwide, the programme will reduce the hospital estate's combined annual carbon footprint by approximately 968 tonnes.

Spire Healthcare has committed to become carbon neutral by 2030, the first independent sector healthcare provider in the UK to do so.

The hospital has a dedicated carbon champion, who promotes sustainability throughout the hospital and encourages colleagues to think about what they can do to reduce carbon usage.

Sean Crooks, hospital director at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral said: "Environmental sustainability is a core component of our strategy and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to install solar panels here at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral.

"I’m proud of all my colleagues' enthusiasm and determination to meet our goal of becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2030."