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(Archived News article)
Horne recently despatched the 300 taps required for the new build phase of the project, while a further 400 Optitherm taps will be required for the refurbishment of existing facilities in the Trust’s estate.
The North Middlesex PFI contract is for the provision of new accident and emergency, acute, critical care including geriatric wards and a diagnostic and treatment centre. The facilities management contract will last for 30 years.
The main contractor on site, Bouygues UK, were very keen on the Optitherm from the outset due to its ease of installation, quick and simple maintenance procedures and negligible disruption to the delivery of healthcare. These features allow Bouygues UK and Ecovert FM, its facilities management arm, to tightly control costs over the project’s 30-year term.
The benefits for the user were then explained to Trust stakeholders, the final decision required input from project managers, board members, nursing and infection control staff. The selection process also included a visit to see an existing installation at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospital. Features particularly liked by nursing staff were its ease of use, even by patients with limited hand mobility, and that the issue of scalding and hot surface temperatures was removed.
The one touch operation was also highly favoured for avoiding recontamination after hand-washing. Oxford Radcliffe’s maintenance team felt that the Optitherm was the most cost effective option available; although the capital cost was slightly higher than the alternatives, the total outlay for the whole installation was much lower.