NEWS
NTH Solutions launches ‘intelligent thermostat’ for air-conditioning units
As the NHS works towards being carbon- neutral by 2045, NTH Solutions, an NHS subsidiary of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has piloted an ‘intelligent thermostat’ – Coolnomix – that attaches to air-conditioning units to help improve their efficiency. NTH says using the system has seen it
reduce its daily energy consumption by 33%, and it is now launching it across the UK, with the offer of a ‘no obligation’, free pilot, to other Trusts. It said: “Coolnomix can improve the performance of air-conditioning units which are inherently energy-inefficient, whether old or new. With a patented algorithm, it can be attached to existing air-conditioning units, without the need for full replacements, to help reduce energy consumed and CO2
emitted.” Coolnomix interacts with the compressor,
using temperature sensors to reduce its run-time. NTH Solutions said: “An air- conditioning unit fitted with Coolnomix provides a noticeable reduction in carbon footprint and running costs, without compromising performance. Several pilots
across various NHS Trusts have shown an immediate impact, and typically a 30% reduction in energy consumption, while with NTH NHS-owned, income can be reinvested into frontline patient care.” Steve Taylor, the
Trust’s head of Estates & Facilities, said: “Like many other Trusts, North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has an ageing estate and limited capital funding, so this product caught our eye as a low-cost, retrofittable, energy-saving solution. The energy savings
made on our trial areas were beyond our expectations. I think this is a great low-cost product that can help us on our journey to improve energy efficiency and achieve Net Zero carbon.”
On fitting, Coolnomix is not switched on
immediately, so it can monitor the user’s energy usage and set a benchmark. On switching on, the device then shows the difference it is making in real time via readings provided on its app.
A chance to engage with architects and specifiers
The Design in Mental Health Network says it is delighted to be partnering with Stable Events on one of its events ‘to create additional opportunities for its members to engage with NHS and architectural specifiers to learn how we can improve the quality of mental health environments together’. This year’s Mental Health & Dementia
Facilities Forum (mhdf) is being held on 17 and 18 November 2022 at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel. The DiMHN and Stable Events said: “It is a unique event
bringing together the stakeholders involved in the design, build, delivery, and operation of facilities for this specialised sector – including leading architects, contractors, NHS Trusts, private mental healthcare providers, and care home groups.” To find out more, and register as a supplier or project delegate, visit
https://www.mhdf-forum.co.uk
Making places more accessible to people living with dementia
Experts from the University of Stirling have created a new tool ‘to support families, businesses, and professionals, to make homes, premises, and public places, more accessible to an ageing population and those living with dementia’. The Environments for
Ageing and Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT) ‘combines the latest research on designing for cognitive change, with the expertise of leading architects at the University’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC)’. It replaces DSDC’s Dementia Design Audit Tool, and,
THE NETWORK | NOVEMBER 2022
following successful trials by Transport for London and Kirklees Council, is now available. Lesley Palmer, Chief Architect at DSDC, said: “Age-related changes in our sight, hearing, and mobility, affect how we engage with our environment. For example, changes in our eyes impact on depth perception, glare, and ability to distinguish contrast. An age-supportive environment would account for these changes and
use design to support its users. Similarly, cognitive change such as dementia also requires specific environmental changes to be made to ensure users can remain safe and independent.”
EADDAT provides practical solutions and guidance on the design, layout, and furnishing of buildings and environments to make it easier for older people and people living with dementia to use them. There are three tiers – Tier 1 and 2, with Tier 3 still in development; each reflects the scale of intervention required. Tier 1, ‘the entry level’, is for those wanting to make small changes to the home or in a small business, and is available free. Tier 2, covering a wider range of building types, is suitable both for people living at home, and for business, healthcare settings, and other local organisations. Each tier supplies a complete user guide, assessment checklist, case studies, and best practice examples. There is also the option to receive an official DSDC audit and accreditation. EADDAT is available at https://www.
dementia.stir.ac.uk/resources
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