The funding, which is expected to save £177k a year in energy costs, is part of a wider £100m package from Great British Energy announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

UHD's sustainability and carbon manager, Stuart Lane, said: ‘This is a real boost to our Green Plan and good for our finances too. We have also commissioned several other solar panel projects and this funding will accelerate the pace at which we can meet the full potential of solar generated on our sites, meaning we are a step close to our net zero targets and redirecting energy costs to patient care.'

UHD is also taking a new approach to the decarbonisation of its estate with efficient new hospital buildings such as the new BEACH Building and a £2.1m LED lighting investment to bring older buildings up to modern standards.

Chief sustainability officer at NHS England, Chris Gormley, said: ‘Thanks to the dedication of teams nationwide, the NHS has already implemented hundreds of projects that enhance energy efficiency and drive significant cost savings.

‘This groundbreaking new investment, across 78 NHS trusts on around 200 sites, will expand solar power generation within the NHS by over 300%, slashing energy costs by hundreds of millions of pounds. These vital savings can be reinvested directly into frontline care, ensuring the NHS continues to deliver for our patients and communities.'