Claire House Children’s Hospice, a vital lifeline for seriously and terminally ill children, has been providing essential care and support for over 400 families. The hospice offers more than just medical care; it provides a nurturing environment that includes accommodation, a multi-sensory room, an art room, a hydrotherapy pool, and a jacuzzi. These facilities are integral to the holistic care approach at Claire House, making it a place of comfort and healing for children and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
The Need for Upgraded Heating Systems
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment project, the management at Claire House identified the need to upgrade their existing heating plant. The goal was not only to ensure a reliable heating system but also to optimise energy efficiency ratings and reduce their carbon footprint, which is crucial for maintaining a comfortable environment across the various facilities while managing operational costs. Given the critical nature of the hospice’s work, any heating system installed had to guarantee uninterrupted service, ensuring that the care provided to the children and their families would not be compromised at any time.
Strebel’s Involvement
Strebel, a leader in heating solutions, was approached to recommend and implement improvements to the existing heating system at Claire House. Strebel’s role was critical in assessing the current infrastructure and proposing a solution that would meet the hospice’s needs both in the short and long term. The existing heating system at Claire House comprised Strebel Cast Iron sectional boilers, which, while reliable, were due for an upgrade to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. The challenge was to replace these boilers with a more modern and efficient system without disrupting the hospice’s daily operations.
Implementation of the New Heating System
The project involved the removal of the existing flue system and the installation of a new cascade flue header. This new system was connected to three Strebel S-CB+180 wall-hung gas condensing boilers. The S-CB+180 boilers are known for their high efficiency and reliability, making them an ideal choice for a facility like Claire House, where consistent performance is non-negotiable.
In addition to the boilers, a Plate Heat Exchanger was installed as part of the upgrade. The Plate Heat Exchanger plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency of the heating system by allowing for effective heat transfer, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs. The installation also included a Pressurisation set and a Building Management System (BMS). The BMS was particularly important as it provides the hospice with the ability to monitor and control the heating system, ensuring optimal performance at all times.
Ensuring Uninterrupted Service During Installation
One of the key challenges during the installation was to ensure that the hospice’s heating and hot water supply remained uninterrupted. To address this, Strebel provided a temporary plant that maintained the necessary heating and hot water services throughout the duration of the project. This careful planning and execution ensured that there was no disruption to the hospice’s operations, allowing the staff to continue providing critical care to the children without any hindrance.
Impact and Long-Term Benefits
The completion of the heating system upgrade at Claire House has had a significant positive impact on the facility. The new system not only guarantees a reliable and consistent heating supply but also contributes to reduced energy consumption, which is an important consideration for the hospice as it seeks to manage costs while continuing to provide high-quality care.
Moreover, the installation of the BMS allows for precise control and monitoring of the heating system, ensuring that it operates at peak efficiency at all times. This level of control is crucial in a facility where maintaining a stable and comfortable environment is essential to the well-being of its occupants.
Conclusion
The refurbishment of the heating system at Claire House Children’s Hospice is a testament to the importance of modernising essential infrastructure in critical care environments. Strebel’s expertise in assessing and upgrading the heating system ensured that the hospice now benefits from a state-of-the-art solution that will serve the needs of its residents for many years to come. The successful implementation of this project not only highlights the importance of reliable and energy efficient heating solutions in healthcare settings but also underscores Strebel’s commitment to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients. This case study demonstrates how thoughtful planning and advanced technology can come together to enhance the quality of care provided in such essential community facilities.
