NSLHD News July 3

Solar panels have now been installed on the rooftop at Mona Vale Hospital

MONA VALE GOES SOLAR Mona Vale Hospital is going green as part of a state-wide initiative to improve energy efficiency at hospitals. A rooftop solar energy system has been fitted to the newest inpatient building at the hospital. The new building is due to be completed in September and will accommodate a dedicated inpatient palliative care unit and an inpatient geriatric medical unit. Acting General Manager Jennifer Parkin said this was the first building at MVH to be equipped with a solar PV system. “We are excited to have solar panels installed on the new building which has been Vollies return to our hospitals A handful of volunteers have begun returning to our hospitals with many keen to be back helping patients and supporting our staff. After a three-month hiatus during the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic in NSW, a small group of Pink Ladies and Men volunteers are back at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. Returning last week, the mail courier volunteers at HKH are working in the florist shop mail room away from visitors and the public sorting the mail, while they practice social distancing and keep up strict hand hygiene. Support Services Manager Marie Perkins said only a small number of the approximately 120 volunteers have returned under strict protocols to protect them from possible exposure to COVID-19. “We are excited to see our volunteers return: we have certainly missed seeing them,” Marie said. “We are working with the volunteer auxiliary committee to ensure the safe return of the florist shop, and then remaining volunteers

designed to maximise exposure to the north and capture the sun,” Ms Parkin said “Hospitals are operational around the clock so they naturally consume lots of energy. By having solar panels, we can reduce our carbon emissions and reduce energy costs.” Other recent infrastructure additions at the hospital include the inpatient rehabilitation unit, inpatient drug and alcohol unit, support services building, helipad, urgent care centre, and community health services building. Excavation and preconstruction works are also underway for the introduction of a new ambulance station – due to be completed next year.

Volunteer Jan sorts out the mail

to the hospital in the future.” RNSH and Ryde Hospitals are also assessing the safe return of some volunteers.

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