Caring for patients and the planet

Melbourne might have the least amount of sunshine hours of any major Australian city but its skies still generate enough solar power to make a big difference in energy emissions.

The Avenue Hospital, based in the inner city, hopes to achieve the equivalent of taking 23 cars off the road every year as part of its sustainability drive.

The 152-bed private facility has installed a new 39kilowatt (kW)solar-panel system that CEO Lisa McFadden said wouldsave 52 tonnes of carbon emissionsannually.

It has also upgraded240 light fittings to energy-efficient LED systems.

"The Avenue Hospital is committed to making practical, tangible changes to help protect the planet," Ms McFadden said.

"With our new solar panel system, we will now be able to care for the planet while caring for our patients."

Part of Ramsay Health Care Australia, The Avenue Hospital has also contributed to the group's goal to remove 75 million single-use plastic items from landfill byeliminating more than 650,000 productsso farduring its operations.

It is alsoworking to create 'greener operating theatres' by reducing use ofthe anaesthetic gas desflurane and switching to more environmentally-friendly options which have significantly less impact on global warming.

Nearly half of Ramsay's 72 sites nationwide have either installed solar panels or are in the process of doing so.

Read more: Ramsay joins the race to meet 'Net Zero'

Read more: Solar strategy makes 'wonderful contribution'

Read more: Hospital wins global award for energy reduction

Next News And Innovation:
4/4/2023 New options for Noosa cancer patients

Previous News And Innovation:
20/3/2023 Perth's new mental health clinic opens