Holyrood has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases across the NHS in Scotland by creating more energy efficient hospitals.

The new projects will reduce carbon emissions and attempt to make facilities more eco friendly.

It is thought that greenhouse gases will be reduced by 10% and will save £4m in energy costs every year.

The government says this money will then be reinvested into improving healthcare provisions in Scotland.

The move is part of NHS Scotland’s Carbon Reduction Programme.

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

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

"The £4m 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."

It has also been revealed that NHS boards across Scotland managed to save £319m in 2011/12, more than meeting the target of £317m.

Through the new Programme, grants are to be awarded to schemes with the potential to substantially reduce carbon emissions.

Funding has already been awarded to projects such as the installation of a biomass boiler at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, an oil-to-gas conversion of the heating system at Gartnavel Royal Hospital and the installation of wind turbines to support remote health centres in the Shetland Islands.

(IT/CD)