COVER STORY
unprecedented level of insight into a hospital’s operations, from energy usage to equipment performance. Remote maintenance capabilities will be
Heatmap.
forward in hospital operations, aligning with the NHS’s broader goals of modernisation and improved efficiency.
How smart tech boosts safety, efficiency, and sustainability The implementation of smart energy solutions in NHS facilities yields significant benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. These three areas are interconnected, with improvements in one often leading to positive outcomes in the others. From a safety perspective, the
continuous monitoring provided by smart energy solutions ensures the highest availability of critical systems. In a hospital environment, where equipment reliability can be a matter of life and death, this is critical. The proactive detection of insulation and earth faults allows for planned repairs before they become dangerous. Given that these types of faults account for over 80 per cent of all electrical faults, this capability significantly enhances the overall safety of the electrical infrastructure. Real- time alerts enable rapid response to potential safety issues, allowing maintenance teams to address problems quickly and effectively. Efficiency improvements are another
key benefit of smart energy solutions. Remote maintenance capabilities reduce the need for on-site engineer visits, saving time and resources. This is particularly valuable in large
hospital complexes or in situations where specialist engineers may need to travel long distances. Predictive maintenance, based on comprehensive data analysis, minimises unexpected downtimes. By identifying potential issues before they cause equipment failure, hospitals can schedule maintenance during off-peak hours, reducing disruptions to patient care. The optimisation of energy usage leads to cost savings and reduced carbon emissions, contributing to both operational efficiency and sustainability goals. In terms of sustainability, smart energy solutions provide detailed energy consumption data that enables targeted energy-saving initiatives. By understanding exactly how and where energy is being used, hospitals can implement focused strategies to reduce consumption.
IFHE DIGEST 2025
Improved system efficiency contributes to reduced overall energy consumption, helping hospitals to lower their carbon footprint. In fact, better management of electrical
infrastructure supports the integration of renewable energy sources, allowing hospitals to move towards more sustainable energy models. The experience at the public hospital in
Ireland provides a concrete example of these benefits. The implementation of a residual current monitoring solution eliminated the need for disconnecting power supplies during periodic inspections. This not only saved time and reduced inconvenience, but also ensured that essential hospital operations could continue uninterrupted. The system’s ability to provide instant notifications of alarms, coupled with data plotting capabilities, allowed the maintenance team to fully understand the behaviour of their electrical infrastructure. It is this deep insight that enables more efficient planning of maintenance activities and helps prevent potential issues before they escalate. Additionally, the data provided by smart
energy solutions can inform long-term strategic decisions. By analysing energy usage patterns and system performance over time, hospital administrators can make informed decisions about infrastructure upgrades, energy-saving investments, and sustainability initiatives. This data-driven approach to facility management represents a significant advancement in how hospitals operate and plan for the future.
2040 Vision: the high-tech hospitals of tomorrow As the NHS moves towards its goal of becoming a Smart Hospital system by 2040, smart energy solutions will play a crucial role. The future of healthcare facilities lies in
fully integrated, data-led care systems that adapt to new technologies seamlessly. This vision encompasses more than just energy management – it represents a change in mindset of how hospitals operate and deliver care.
In the smart hospitals of the future,
comprehensive electrical condition monitoring and control will extend across all areas of the facility. This will provide an
available 24/7, with real-time monitoring and proactive support ensuring that issues are addressed quickly and efficiently. This constant vigilance will result in minimised failures and downtime, as potential problems are identified and resolved before they can impact hospital operations. Investment decisions in future smart hospitals will be based on real-time data analysis, ensuring that resources are allocated in the most effective manner possible. This data-driven approach will extend to patient care as well, with digital interaction becoming ‘the norm’. These advanced capabilities will be supported by a reliable and efficient infrastructure, underpinned by smart energy management. The transition to this future state
requires a change in mindset from viewing energy as a cost, to seeing it as a manageable asset. Smart energy solutions provide the
tools necessary to make this shift, offering detailed insights into energy consumption patterns and identifying energy-saving opportunities. They also support the integration of renewable energy sources, enhancing the hospital’s sustainability credentials and protection against power quality issues and outages. As hospitals become more reliant on
advanced medical technologies and digital systems, the importance of a robust, intelligent electrical infrastructure cannot be overstated. Smart energy solutions not only support
these advanced systems but also contribute to the overall goal of creating more sustainable, efficient, and patient- centred healthcare facilities. As a final thought, the transformation of ageing NHS infrastructure through smart energy solutions is not just a technological upgrade – it is a structural reimagining of how hospitals operate and deliver care. We should be embracing these
innovations, so the NHS can enhance patient safety, improve operational efficiency, and make significant strides towards its sustainability goals. The reality is that the journey to smart hospitals has only just begun, and smart energy management is paving the way.
Bender UK Low Mill Business Park Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9EE Tel: 44(0) 1229 480123 Fax: 44(0) 1229 480345 Tel: +353 1 5060611
www.bender-uk.com
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