Health Trust depends on Gilberts to support care for vulnerable patients

Improved care and patient experience are being achieved at Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust with the opening of a new High Dependency Unit (HDU) following a £1m upgrade. A key component of the project at Arrowe Park Hospital has been the installation of a new ventilation system installed by Mechair Building Services and featuring supply and extract diffusers from the UK’s leading air movement manufacturer Gilberts. 

The HDU ventilation forms part of a wider building services upgrade delivered by Mechair, including enhanced mechanical ventilation, air conditioning, medical gases, water and plumbing & drainage.

The Gilberts system serves each of the HDU’s six bays, to accommodate patients in their stepping down from intensive care but who still need more extensive care than in a ward area. Each room features Gilberts’ patented GSFB perforated swirl diffusers to supply fresh air and PGR perforated diffusers to extract the ‘used’ air.

Diffusers used

The GSFB diffusers have been inset into the suspended ceiling, to horizontally discharge high volumes of fresh air with rapid entrainment and intermixing. Up to 0.47m3/s airflow can be attained (depending on size and specification).

The PGR diffusers work alongside, extracting the used air at up to 0.82m3/s (depending on specification/configuration) to provide high room air change rates. Thus airborne pollutants from coughs are quickly removed before droplets can disperse and contaminate.

The PGR diffusers also feature hinged hatches to facilitate access for cleaning, further enhancing the hospital’s ability to execute a thorough hygiene control procedure.

James Evans, Mechair project manager, comments: “It was an urgent upgrade, largely in response to COVID, to create a safe, comfortable and clean environment for patients and staff.

“Extensive mechanical modifications were needed to create the specification required for the HDU, of which improved, effective ventilation was a key component. We know we can depend on Gilberts to deliver quality service and products even whilst working under COVID restrictions.”

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, says: “It is fantastic that the new High Dependency Unit has opened, and this will help us provide the best care we possibly can for our most vulnerable patients. 

“We are continuing to care for patients with and without COVID-19 in our hospital. The upgraded facilities and enhanced infection control measures will improve our ability to cater for the complex needs of those patients. We are committed to investing in our hospitals so we can continue to improve care and patient experience.”

Other projects

The Arrowe Park HDU is the latest in a series of healthcare environments for which Gilberts has provided ventilation solutions, including The Christie Manchester, Rowan View secure mental health & learning disability hospital, Royal Preston Hospital, University Hospital Southampton and Royal Papworth Hospital.

Contact:

Gilberts of Blackpool,
Gilair Works,
Clifton Road,
Blackpool,
FY4 40T

Phone: 01253 766911
Fax: 01253 767941

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