NHS Lothian has completed the first phase in a major project to modernise the Western General Hospital’s energy infrastructure system and importantly help to reduce NHS Lothian’s carbon footprint.
Over the last 16 months work has been undertaken to replace and upgrade the critical Energy Infrastructure systems, which provides heat and power throughout the Western General Hospital (WGH).
The long-term goal is to replace the existing steam heating network and boilers, with an alternative high efficiency and lower carbon alternative. The new system will help to increase site resilience.
Jane Hopton, Sustainability lead for NHS Lothian said: “We’re really proud of all the hard work that has gone into this first stage of the project to deliver a more efficient heating system which in turn helps us to reduce our carbon footprint. I’d like to pass on thanks, on behalf of the project team and contractor to the site, in particular, the HEBA Clinic and Ward 1, for their patience and understanding.”
A first phase was developed, to align with the immediate needs of the Oncology enabling projects, which started the site de-steaming through construction of a new heating plant in the Scottish Health Service Centre building which now supplies heat to the buildings on the south-side of Hospital Main Drive via a new underground heating network.
Chris Stirling, Hospital Director for the Western General, said: “I really appreciate the dedication that has gone into this project, from the project team to the contractors as well as the patience of all our staff. This is a major commitment, and work continues on the development of the site-wide strategy, as part of the WGH Masterplan.
“In the Western General we are proud to be part of a hospital that is working hard to tackle climate change and the environmental impact to health in our communities.”
If you’re a member of staff in NHS Lothian you can keep up to date and get involved by joining ‘A Greener NHS Lothian’ Facebook group.
