Auckland Medical Group in the North East and North Cumbria region has taken a proactive step towards sustainability by installing solar panels – an initiative that’s proving both environmentally and financially beneficial.
The idea stemmed from a desire to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint, especially in a setting where general practices manage their own budgets and can make independent decisions about infrastructure. Solar panels have already been successfully installed at one of the group’s sites (Toft Hill), with plans underway to extend the rollout to their main Watling Road site in the near future.
The practice expects to see financial benefits within just a few years. The panels are expected to significantly reduce electricity bills, freeing up resources that can be reinvested into patient care and staff wellbeing. Additionally, the system includes battery storage, which means the practice will be able to draw some power during a power cut – adding a layer of resilience that’s particularly valuable in healthcare settings.
Dr Claire Rose-Innes, a GP Partner at Auckland Medical Group, explained: “It’s not just about saving money – though that’s important. With the battery system, we’ll be able to keep some things running even during a power cut, which is a huge plus in a medical setting.”
This initiative shows how smaller practices can lead the way in sustainability, even without the scale or visibility of larger organisations. It’s a practical example of how green investments can benefit both the environment and the bottom line.
National programmes often focus on secondary care and large estates, meaning smaller practices are frequently overlooked. Yet, these settings are well-positioned to benefit from green investments – especially when they can lead to cost savings and improved wellbeing.
The team at Auckland Medical Group has gained valuable experience and is keen to share what they’ve learned with other practices considering similar improvements. Their work shows that even small-scale changes can have a big impact, and that with the right support, sustainability can be embedded across the primary care landscape.
Following the planned solar panel installation, there are hopes to develop a garden space to further enhance the Watling Road practice environment. If possible, once in place the garden will offer a greener, more welcoming space for staff and patients.
If your practice is working on something similar, or you’d like to explore how to get started, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us via: [email protected]
