GPHC commissions new steam plant to enhance operations

Today, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) officially commissioned its new Boiler System/Steam Plant, a critical investment aimed at improving hospital operations. The state-of-the-art system supports the Central Sterilization Supply Unit (CSSU) and laundry rooms, both of which play essential roles in maintaining the hospital’s hygiene and operational efficiency.

The CSSU is responsible for cleaning and preparing medical equipment for the 11 operating theatres across the hospital, ensuring that surgical instruments meet the highest standards of sterility. Meanwhile, the laundry rooms handle the cleaning of all hospital linens, contributing to the overall sanitation and infection control efforts at GPHC.

During the commissioning ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Robbie Rambarran emphasised the necessity of replacing the outdated system, which had suffered from years of little to no maintenance prior to 2020. “As a matter of fact, two sterilizers, one washer, and one dryer had to be replaced within the past three years due to the poor quality of water and steam emanating from the old plant,” he stated. The previous system’s inefficiencies posed operational challenges and safety risks to hospital staff, making this investment a crucial step forward.

The new plant, which includes 3 dryback firetube boilers, an on-demand hot water system, and a reverse osmosis water purification system was installed at a cost exceeding $200 million Guyanese dollars and is expected to significantly improve service delivery at the CSSU and laundry department. Hospital management is confident that this investment will enhance overall efficiency, ensuring better patient care and a safer working environment.

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭

A modern steam plant provides numerous benefits in a hospital setting, including:

𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Reliable steam production ensures proper sterilization of surgical instruments, reducing the risk of infections.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: High-quality steam leads to better cleaning and disinfection of hospital linens, maintaining hygiene standards.

𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: The new system which is a conversion from diesel powered to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is expected to be more energy-efficient, reducing operational costs in the long term.

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: With a more robust and well-maintained system, the hospital can avoid unexpected breakdowns that could disrupt critical medical services.

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲: A properly functioning steam plant minimizes risks associated with faulty equipment, creating a safer environment for both hospital staff and patients.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, Chairman and other members of the GPHC Board of Directors, and hospital staff. Their presence underscored the importance of this upgrade in reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services.

With this significant investment, the GPHC continues to modernise its infrastructure, ensuring that critical hospital operations run smoothly while prioritising the safety and well-being of both patients and staff.