Boosting Smart Theatre Monitoring: IAconnects Empowers NHS Data

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an era where sustainability is paramount, the healthcare sector is stepping up to the challenge with innovative solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption and enhancing operational efficiency. A notable example comes from St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, a facility that has long been under pressure to deliver not only adequate but also efficient clinical services. With a commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, the hospital has embarked on an ambitious project to harness technology in its quest for energy efficiency.

St George’s Hospital, recognised for its pivotal role in the NHS, performs over 130,000 operations annually. Given the energy-intensive nature of its operations, particularly in the operating theatres, the hospital sought ways to optimise its energy consumption. Research indicates that operating theatres consume three to six times more energy than typical clinical wards, making them critical areas for intervention in the pursuit of net zero. Thanks to funding from the local authority, the hospital’s team enlisted the expertise of various specialists, including IAconnects, a leader in monitoring solutions integrators.

IAconnects was tasked with providing advanced wireless sensor technology designed to capture a myriad of data points from the building management system (BMS). This was crucial as the hospital aimed to not only gather extensive environmental data from its 31 operating theatres but also to supplement any existing gaps through the installation of both control and monitoring devices.

Dave Lister, a solutions consultant at IAconnects, explained the hospital’s requirements: “St George’s needed a solution that would integrate seamlessly with the existing BMS and fill in any gaps in environmental data.” To meet this need, IAconnects deployed over 500 wired and wireless sensing devices utilising LoRaWAN technology. This robust system continuously monitors key environmental metrics, providing invaluable insights for the hospital’s operations.

The extensive data collection now enables the hospital’s team to access over 250 critical data points, including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), illuminance (Lux), air pressure, and occupancy. This wealth of information allows for automatic adjustments to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, enhancing comfort for patients and staff alike while optimising energy usage. For instance, occupancy data can trigger Set Back and Ramp Up modes in HVAC systems, ensuring that energy is not wasted when spaces are unoccupied.

Moreover, hospital staff can now monitor power consumption more effectively using wireless current transformers in conjunction with BMS data. This dual approach not only maximises operational efficiency but also contributes to significant cost savings—an essential consideration for any NHS facility.

The data captured is seamlessly integrated into MobiusFlow, a middleware platform designed to normalise and aggregate the information for the benefit of Trust stakeholders. This platform not only facilitates real-time analytics but also enables automated responses, ensuring that energy management is both effective and efficient.

“The first phase has delivered significant benefits,” noted Lister, highlighting that the initiative has already achieved energy savings exceeding £350,000. Furthermore, a return on investment is projected within two years—a remarkable achievement for a project of this scale. By optimising the HVAC systems based on occupancy, the solution also alleviates stress on equipment, extending the lifecycle of vital assets and reducing maintenance costs.

David Roskams, the BYFH lead for digital transformation within the estates and facilities division at St George’s Hospital, praised the collaboration with IAconnects: “The team at IAconnects Technology have become trusted advisors and suppliers in support of the St George’s Hospital Digital Roadmap. Their approach is always pragmatic and considers the bigger picture at every step. They navigate the complexities of our business model with ease, adding value to clinical, EFM, and business intelligence working groups.”

Building on the success of this initial phase, the project is set to expand into additional areas, including anaesthesia feeder rooms. Plans are in motion to monitor nitrous oxide systems and to explore the potential of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and environmental-patient data analysis. These advancements are not only poised to enhance operational efficiency but will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare facilities under the New Hospital Programme.

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, initiatives like those at St George’s Hospital highlight the importance of integrating technology and sustainability into everyday operations. The combination of innovative monitoring solutions and a commitment to reducing energy consumption is paving the way for a greener, more efficient future in healthcare.

For those interested in learning more about energy monitoring solutions tailored for hospitals, smart buildings, and commercial facilities, we invite you to visit the IAconnects website at IAconnects Energy Monitoring Solutions.

As we move forward in our journey towards net zero, it is inspiring to see such proactive measures being taken in the healthcare sector. The steps being undertaken at St George’s Hospital serve as a model for other institutions aiming to achieve similar goals. By focusing on sustainability and efficiency, we can collectively create a healthier planet for future generations.