FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Connected laundry systems and predictive maintenance are both essential tools for improving resilience. For healthcare estates, having a trusted service partner can make the difference between a smooth operation and costly disruption.
investment in a professional washer or dryer represents just 10 per cent of its total lifetime cost, with the remaining 90% going towards chemicals, energy and water consumption costs.
Digital assistance It won’t be long before all washers and dryers are equipped with their own digital assistant that helps operators stay informed with real-time status updates. This will enable the shift towards predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring machine performance, identifying early signs of wear and tear before they cause a machine to break down. Connected systems will also be able to log key hygiene information, such as cycle temperature, duration and thermal disinfection status, creating a digital audit trail that can be accessed at any time. This will help to comply with various healthcare regulations, such as HTM 01-04, which offers guidance for those who process linen used in health and adult social care settings. Efficiency can be further enhanced through real-time alerts, notifying
staff immediately in the event of a cycle interruption or hygiene validation failing, allowing for swift corrective action. This will reduce the risk of non-compliance and, above all, makes certain that linen supply remains uninterrupted. A variety of energy-saving measures can also be implemented, owing to detailed data on usage. For instance, operators could be indicated whether a machine is switched on or idle, helping to avoid unnecessarily high energy bills. This, in turn, will contribute to both environmental goals and deliver tangible cost savings over time.
Partnership in practice Connected laundry systems and predictive maintenance are both essential tools for improving resilience, and their full potential can be realised when paired with reliable third-party support. For healthcare estates, having a trusted service partner can make the difference between a smooth operation and costly disruption. St Andrew’s Healthcare is a good example of how strategic
partnerships can enhance stability. With five OPLs serving three hospitals and two community sites, the mental health charity cares for around 650 service users, each relying on a continuous flow of clean linen. To support this demand, it partnered with Electrolux Professional through a bespoke Essentia service contract. The contract covers a wide range of equipment, including legacy
machines and appliances from different manufacturers. This flexibility means that older systems remain in peak condition, extending their lifespan and reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance visits also help to prevent downtime and keep machines running efficiently. It can also provide replacement parts.
A new era for healthcare estates The rise of connected laundry systems marks a pivotal moment for healthcare estates. Laundry is now recognised as a mission-critical component of operational resilience, hygiene compliance and patient care. Yet, this is just one aspect of predictive maintenance, which offers a clear path towards embracing data-driven insights capable of reducing downtime and providing a consistent supply of clean linen. This not only supports frontline staff but also safeguards the wellbeing of patients across estates.
January 2026 Health Estate Journal 53
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
