A cool change arrives at Cobar Hospital
Wednesday January 29, 2009
Cobar Hospital’s air conditioning system is in the process of a much-needed overhaul with both brand new and second hand units to make up the new system.
The Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) began work this week on installing three brand new reverse cycle air conditioning units in patient wards, while seven reconditioned split system units were installed in the dental, doctors consultation, reception, waiting area and day care activity rooms of the hospital.
Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said the cooling system overhaul was the result of strong representations from the community.
The former evaporative cooling system was less effective during the extreme heat often experienced in Cobar during summer.
Mr Humphries said the second hand units were a bonus for the town.
“The reconditioned units recently re-serviced to standard (ie re-gassed and new filters added) came from Bathurst Base Hospital rehabilitation unit.
“These have been a total bonus as they were not earmarked for Cobar,” he said.
The use of second hand air conditioners has saved GWAHS around $20,000 on the cost of installing all new units.
The project cost a total of $65,000.
In addition to improving patient comfort, the new air conditioners are expected to be more water-wise.
GWAHS director of finance and corporate services John White said the old systems consumed 14,400 litres of water daily, on a 24-hour cycle between October and March last year - a total of approximately 2.16 million litres over a summer.
Mr Humphries said the new systems are also easier to maintain.
“GWAHS’ technical staff regularly services its region’s hospitals’ air conditioners and in a recent statement [GWAHS] said it undertakes maintenance of its systems on a regular basis,’’ Mr Humphries said.
“GWAHS claims the three new systems will be easier to clean and maintain as they sit outside the building they service and are self contained units with the evaporator, condenser and electrical isolator located together.
“They will each deliver air-conditioned air through ducting in the hospital,” Mr Humphries said.
Work on installing the new air-conditioning systems is expected to take some weeks to complete.
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