ADVERTISING FEATURE / COVER STORY
advanced data, diagnostics, and smart energy management was also selected. Bender surgical PACS panels, CP9 theatre control panels, and Merivaara award-winning Q-Flow operating lights were also integrated into the operating theatres. The result of the new electrical
upgrade replaces a more traditional reactive, schedule- based maintenance with a smarter proactive continuous monitoring approach. Predictive diagnostics enable estates teams to schedule interventions during clinically low impact windows, reduce unnecessary room closures, and focus limited engineering hours on areas of highest clinical dependency where necessary. Russell Hallowes, projects lead North at Bender UK,
highlighted how the integration of Bender advanced technology has established a seamless clinical ecosystem at Hexham. “This upgrade is already solving potential issues, enabling the on-site team working with Bender engineers to detect and address faults proactively, before they can impact operations,” he said. “The installation allows for continuous live reporting, data analysis, software updates, and proactive fault identification, helping to design out future risks of power supply issues and eliminate unnecessary downtime. “A key component of this is Bender Pulse, which further
enhances remote, data-backed intelligence to maximise resilience on site. “The project included a full switchgear installation
integrated with Bender power energy management, marking a major milestone for the business as we expand our capability wider into core hospital electrical infrastructure.”
Continuous diagnostics With continuous diagnostics, previously unpredictable issues can be triaged earlier and with improved context. The Trust now anticipates:
n Improved electrical risk visibility in theatres, imaging, endoscopy, maternity, and recovery – areas where electrical resilience supports patient safety.
n Greater continuity of patient care, with estates interventions planned around clinical workload rather
than emergency disruption.
n More efficient estates resourcing, with prioritisation driven by real diagnostic signals rather than routine cycles or exploratory investigation.
Hexham General Hospital’s approach mirrors a national shift towards proactive monitoring, supporting smarter intelligence-led estates management. Clinical spaces such as operating theatres rely on
uninterrupted electrical supply, and contemporary estates strategies highlight the need for workflow-aware engineering and proactive risk mitigation to maintain safe patient care. Proactive monitoring is rapidly becoming a baseline expectation across UK hospitals.
Greater resilience without increasing operational burden Hexham General Hospital’s model – structured discovery, diagnostics-led partnership, and operational integration – offers a clinically focused, workforce efficient pathway for other NHS Trusts seeking turnkey projects, ongoing support and greater resilience without increasing operational burden. Sam Parry, head of healthcare sales at Bender UK, added: “As a result of the project, Hexham General Hospital now has a surgical facility equipped with some of the most advanced technology and electrical safety systems available, purpose-built to support a modern clinical environment. “This comprehensive approach not only gives NHS teams greater confidence and operational efficiency, but it also delivers tangible operational cost savings, alongside benefits for patient safety and care. “Ultimately, our work helps future-proof the hospital,
better manage energy and electrical consumption, ensuring it is well prepared to meet evolving clinical demands for years to come.”
April 2026 Health Estate Journal 21
Award winning company Bender UK delivers specialist electrical safety, medical IT power, and clinical solutions for Group 1 and 2 medical locations. Partnering with designers, clinical leads, and estates teams, Bender delivers HTM compliant turnkey solutions, supported by expert service, 24/7 call-out, and lifecycle management to maintain resilient, clinical areas that protect patient safety.
Bender UK
Low Mill Business Park Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9EE Tel:
UK +44 (0) 1229 480123 Ire +353 1 5060611
Top left: Plantroom with switchgear incorporating Bender technology.
Above: Theatre 4 equipped with Bender clinical technology.
Left: Uninterruptible power supply infrastructure.
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