Hospital wins cash for green initiatives
08 November 2013
Environment
A successful bid to secure funding to combat climate change will see Southend University Hospital become a leaner, greener and much keener sustainability force in future years.
The hospital was today (Friday November 8) announced as one of
just 70 across the country to be awarded a slice of the £50 million
NHS Energy Efficiency Fund, aimed at driving down energy and water
consumption along with carbon emissions in the health service.
More than £1.5 million has been awarded to Southend University
Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, for a range of innovative energy
saving projects across its site in Prittlewell Chase,
Westcliff.
Colin Cadwallader, director of estates and facilities said:
"Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, and can be
huge consumers of power.
"Now, despite having parts of our site dating back to the early
1930s, this fund gives us the go-ahead to combine innovation and
efficiency and become a real green champion within the NHS.
"We estimate these projects will reduce our carbon emissions and
energy costs significantly, saving up to £650,000 each year in
energy bills, which will be reinvested into frontline patient
services.
"At the same time they will improve the local environment for
both our patients and staff."
The schemes included in bid include:
- Water efficient shower facilities, with new push button
temperature control shower units in all wards
- Recycling of waste water from kidney dialysis machines in the
renal unit
- Personal computer automatic management software which shut down
computers when they are not in use for a period of time
- Insulation of roof, ceiling voids plus new ceiling tiles and
draft proofing windows will reduce heat loss and improve patient
comfort
- Energy efficient heat air curtains will be installed in the
entrances to Accident and Emergency and the eye clinic
ends