SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
relationship to circulation spaces, while for medical the reverse can be set up. In each case all staff move in clean air. It follows that if changes to the pressure regimes are easier to control it is possible to create pandemic containment scenarios within the control system. Sub-acute beds, for example, can become pandemic containment beds simply by calling up a specific scenario on the handset or staff-base controller. Personal supply ventilation has also been
provided to each workstation, at staff bases and reception counters. Built into the joinery, individual diffusers allow for air movement directly to members of staff at that workstation. Given that hospitals are conditioned for patient comfort this approach provides islands of comfort for busy staff.
First phase of the MCT solar field.
the air returned can then be mixed with outside air and supplied back to the clinical space. The Echuca concept was to provide 100% outside air with individual room control. Energy is recovered from the return air stream by utilising rotating thermal wheels. For individual user control to be realised
there had to be a change in approach from traditional VAV boxes. The design solution was to vary the air volume at the diffuser. Using variable geometry technology each supply diffuser is motorised and is linked to
the Building Management System (BMS). In response to signals received from the patient handset the air volume supplied is adjusted, in effect creating a temperature variation around the set point. The return grille is similarly controlled,
slaved to the supply condition. This ensures a balance in air flows and therefore avoids drawing air from the ensuite bathroom. This approach gave the ability to schedule
air flow rates and pressure regimes without rebalancing the system. Thus, airflow regimes for surgical beds can maintain a positive
‘It was also apparent that the number of panels required to meet the peak cooling demand would not meet the economic parameters of the funding, neither could they be accommodated on the building.’
Workflow integration Workflow integration began life as a session of ‘what if’. From the systems designed workflow is a process that integrates clinical and environment to provide a patient centred experience. Terminals within each patient bedroom integrate clinical proximity, discharge planning, bed planning and hotel services to provide a contiguous patient journey. The level of IT integration to achieve this has been carefully detailed with all data traffic carried on one fibre backbone. It is possible with one keystroke to discharge a patient, arrange for pharmacy to dispense take-home medication, arrange transport and notify any onward care provider. Hotel services are notified so as to clean the room. Meanwhile, the building services engineering sets back the air flow rate, switches off lights, lowers blinds and waits for a bed booking signal. Utilising workflow enables the hospital to
tailor its clinical support activity accurately. The savings in time and in running cost will be monitored closely and the results are eagerly awaited.
Providing insights into the vast field of healthcare engineering and facility management
22 IFHE DIGEST 2014
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