Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1535709
NMH | 2024 210 Support Services demands. Additionally, the upgrade to an N+1 redundancy for the backup generators is a critical safety improvement. This configuration ensures that there is always at least one functional generator available, which is especially important for a facility such as The National Maternity Hospital that requires continuous power for critical patient care and essential services. The logistical efforts to maintain power during the transformer replacement, utilising three temporary generator sets with the support of old generators and a steady supply of diesel, required careful planning and coordination. This approach minimised disruption to hospital operations, allowing for the transition to the new systems while the new transformer was being installed. With the new generator delivered, installed, tested, and signed off by the ESB the hospital is fully equipped with upgraded power and power generation capabilities. This will enhance safety, reliability and operational efficiency, ultimately leading to improved service for patients and hospital staff. The internal FED team has made significant improvements to the hot water services by upgrading to high-efficiency gas boilers. The installation of the new 630 kW boilers, along with enhanced flue systems and upgraded power and control mechanisms, will provide considerable gains in environmental performance, efficiency and reliability. Projects progressed in 2024 • Anatomical labs (concept stage) • Bereavement services (concept stage) • New lift core (planning approved - HSE lead) • New ambulatory gynae facility (project started late 2024 - HSE lead) • Development of Central Decontamination Unit service (concept stage) • NCHD project (planning stage) • Front hall (planning stage) Some projects completed by FED team in 2024 • Postnatal 1 bathroom and showers refurbishment • Gynaecology Ward single room refurbishment • Medical Social Work Department ventilation project • Main carpark entrance resurfacing works • Colposcopy waiting area refurbishment • Theatre entrance upgrade • Ground floor corridor painting and lighting upgrade • Main stairs flooring and nosings • Main kitchen flooring and minor refurbishment Environmental The main driver for the FED Environmental Department is to ensure the continual improvement and prevention of unnecessary environmental direct and indirect pollutions meeting national, international, and self-established targets. The Environmental Department sets performance targets each year across a broad range of environmental factors which drives environmental objectives and targets to improve the hospitals environmental performance in key areas such as Energy Management, Waste Management, Water Consumption, Discharge to Drain, Green Procurement Management, Training and Awareness and General Environment Management. All waste produced, energy consumed and water used within the hospital is monitored on a continuous basis and reported to the Executive Management Team. The Hospital's total energy consumption (electricity and natural gas) in 2024 was 7,257,237kWh which represent an average increase of +4.5% when compare to 2023's energy consumption. Deeper analysis of this increase is being undertaken and corrective measures identified will be developed. And whereas the cost of energy is still increasing, consumption is relatively static. Based on 'Degree Days' 2024 was slightly cooler than 2023 which has a corresponding in increased gas consumption for heating. In 2024, the Hospital produced a total of 421.7 tonnes of waste from all areas which include healthcare risk waste, domestic wastes, chemical wastes, recyclable and hazardous wastes which represent an average decrease of -0.90% when compare to 2023 and 30,560 litres of waste such as chemical, grease, cooking oil and shows average increase of +3.64% when compare to 2023. If we compare figure to 2020 (5 year period) then we could see our waste tonnes is decreasing by -5.21% but our litres waste increased by +18.27% and mainly this increase caused by increase a Grease Trap cleaning from monthly to every 3 weeks. Neil Farrington, Facilities Engineering Manager.