Newcastle NHS

Newcastle Tyne & Wear NHS Trust has been providing healthcare to communities within the North East for over 250 years. One of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, it delivers services from 3 major sites.

RUMM were asked to work with the Trust on a consultation basis in order to identify areas where consumption could be reduced and waste consumption minimised. This work primarily took place across the Freeman site.

RUMM started working with the Trust in 2009, initially undertaking a site wide survey in order to ascertain where energy was being used.

During the consultation period RUMM also initiated three night surveys to obtain a clear picture of how the site functioned on a 24 hour basis, given patients require care through the night.

Recommendations proposed by RUMM following the surveys included a number of energy management solutions ranging from staff training and awareness programmes, to replacement of dated lighting, fixing air leaks, installing an aM&T system, updating the current air handling units, fixing leaks on equipment and implementing a standardised PC shut down programme.

Immediate work undertaken as a result of the recommendations included fixing leaks,

installing an air leak detector and educating staff within the kitchen facilities to utilise chilling and refrigeration equipment more effectively.

The extensive consultation period meant RUMM were able to evaluate savings equating to over £1 million.

With over 80% of the actions proposed also having a return on investment in under a year, the energy management programme clearly highlighted the potential for fast savings within this budget constrained sector.

As a result of RUMM’s wealth of experience within the NHS, the Trust have now asked RUMM to tender on the next stages of the aM&T and Building Management System projects.