£5m Aintree Dialysis Centre Set to Become UK’s First Net Zero Facility
Construction has begun on a new £5m dialysis centre at Aintree University Hospital, which is expected to become the UK’s first net zero dialysis facility while significantly expanding kidney care capacity across Liverpool.
The purpose-built centre will replace the existing Aintree clinic and Waterloo unit, providing capacity for around 160 patients – approximately 42% more than the current Aintree facility.
Delivered in partnership with Fresenius Medical Care, the development is expected to be completed in summer 2027, with the first patients anticipated to receive treatment from July.
The project will increase the number of dialysis stations from 19 to 27 and introduce a dedicated six-station home dialysis training facility. Shared-care and self-care areas will also help patients develop greater confidence in managing their treatment and, where appropriate, transition to dialysis at home.
Supporting NHS sustainability
Alongside improving patient care, the development aims to establish a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
Dialysis is an essential but resource and energy-intensive treatment. The new Aintree facility has therefore been designed to minimise its operational carbon footprint and support the wider NHS net zero agenda.
Sustainability measures include enhanced building insulation, air-source heat pumps, energy-efficient LED lighting, smart ventilation controls and approximately 75kW of rooftop solar capacity.
The centre will also feature extensive natural lighting, dedicated patient parking and electric vehicle charging facilities.
Dr Andy Nicolson, Group Chief Medical Officer at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said the project demonstrates how “modern patient facilities and lower-carbon design can go hand in hand”.
Patients have also been involved in developing the plans, ensuring comfort, accessibility and wellbeing remain central to the design.
Jonathon Lawrence, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Fresenius Medical Care, said reducing the environmental impact of dialysis infrastructure must also be a priority.
The £5m Aintree development highlights how investment in NHS infrastructure can simultaneously increase healthcare capacity, improve patient experience and reduce carbon emissions.
If successful, the UK’s first net zero dialysis centre could provide a model for future renal care developments as the NHS works towards its target of reaching net zero by 2045.
