The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has commissioned its new boiler and steam plant for sterilization, serving as a critical investment aimed at improving hospital operations.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and GPHC CEO Robbie Rambarran
The new plant, which includes three dryback firetube boilers, an on-demand hot water system, and a reverse osmosis water purification system, has been installed at a cost exceeding G$200 million. It is expected to significantly improve service delivery at the Central Sterilization Supply Unit (CSSU) and Laundry Department. GPHC management is confident this investment would enhance overall efficiency, ensuring better patient care and a safer working environment.
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. With a more robust and better-maintained system, the hospital can avoid unexpected breakdowns that could disrupt critical medical services.
This state-of-the-art system supports the 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; while the laundry rooms handle the cleaning of all hospital linens, contributing to the overall sanitation and infection control efforts at GPHC.
Speaking at the commissioning of the boiler, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony underscored the importance of the project by stating, “Having steam in the hospital for sterilization is very important. And if that is not working effectively, it can create problems for us in terms of infection control. So, I’m very happy that we have been able to resolve this, and we have done so in a way that provides additional capacity. Going forward, the hospital shouldn’t have any problems with steam.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Mr. Robbie Rambarran, emphasising the necessity of replacing the outdated system, which had suffered from years of little to no maintenance prior to 2020, has said, “As a matter of fact, two sterilizers, one washer, and one dryer had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.”
Rambarran explained that the inefficiencies of the previous system had posed operational challenges and safety risks to hospital staff, making this investment a crucial step forward.
A modern steam plant provides numerous benefits, including reliable steam production that ensures proper sterilization of surgical instruments, thereby reducing the risk of infections. Additionally, high-quality steam leads to better cleaning and disinfection of hospital linens, thereby maintaining high standards of hygiene.
A properly functioning steam plant minimizes risks associated with faulty equipment, thus creating a safer environment for both hospital staff and patients.
