Modernising energy infrastructure in the NHS is no easy task; meeting net-zero targets while keeping patient care at the forefront. This complex balancing act becomes even more difficult when Trusts need to replace or upgrade critical systems without disrupting day-to-day hospital operations.
To help navigate this challenge, flexible procurement frameworks, such as the Strategic Energy and Asset Management (SEAM) framework, have emerged as a powerful tool for healthcare organisations.
Utilising the SEAM framework, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust recently completed a landmark £28 million energy transformation project, achieving a seamless transition and significant energy savings.
To share the lessons learned and key takeaways from this transformative project, EcoVate’s Managing Partner, David de Wet, hosted a webinar featuring a panel of experts from Northumbria Healthcare and Dalkia. The discussion centred on how the SEAM framework enabled Northumbria Healthcare to modernise its energy infrastructure without impacting patient care, while also meeting its sustainability goals.
The panellists included:
- Stuart Bowman, Business Growth Director at Dalkia
- Michael Blades, Energy & Carbon Manager at Northumbria Healthcare
- Jason Coleman, Head of Business Development at Northumbria Healthcare
Navigating energy transformation
The panel delved into the specific strategies and approaches that helped make the project a success, offering key insights into the challenges and solutions for healthcare energy modernisation. The session focused on the flexibility and collaboration required to manage such large-scale projects in a hospital setting while balancing energy, cost, and operational concerns.
They highlighted three main success factors that were crucial in delivering the £28 million energy transformation at Northumbria Healthcare:
- Early risk and challenge identification: A major theme was the importance of early collaboration between departments. By working together to identify potential risks and challenges from the outset, the team was able to proactively address issues, reducing delays and ensuring the project moved forward smoothly. Collaboration across procurement, finance, and engineering teams was emphasised as a vital strategy for success.
- System replacement during hospital operations One of the most significant hurdles in energy system upgrades for healthcare facilities is ensuring that operations continue without disruption. The panel explored the steps Northumbria Healthcare took to replace its energy systems without affecting hospital functions, a critical factor in maintaining patient care throughout the project.
- Funding models and stakeholder engagement: The flexibility of the SEAM framework enabled a dynamic approach to funding and stakeholder engagement, making it easier for the Trust to adapt as the project evolved. Keeping stakeholders engaged throughout the process and maintaining flexible funding solutions ensured that all parties were aligned, and the project remained on track.
Practical, on-demand insights
For NHS Trusts and other healthcare organisations facing similar challenges, the Northumbria Healthcare case study provides valuable lessons. The webinar not only highlights how the SEAM framework enabled a successful transformation, but also offers practical advice on overcoming common obstacles in healthcare energy modernisation projects.
If you missed the live event, don’t worry, you can still watch the full webinar on demand. This in-depth look at how Northumbria Healthcare managed to deliver its £28 million energy transformation without disrupting hospital operations, is a must-watch for anyone involved in healthcare infrastructure planning and energy management.
How the SEAM Framework Supports NHS Trusts in Achieving Net-Zero: Watch Webinar | EcoVate Group
Northumbria Healthcare’s successful energy transformation demonstrates the importance of using flexible frameworks like SEAM when tackling large-scale infrastructure projects in the healthcare sector. By prioritising collaboration, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, the Trust was able to modernise its energy systems, reduce carbon emissions, and save millions in operational costs – all while ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
To learn more about how the SEAM framework could help your Trust or healthcare organisation achieve similar success, watch the webinar now.
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