Pressure For Hawke’s Bay Hospital To Conserve Gas

MEDIA RELEASE

18 February 2004

Pressure On For Hawke’s Bay Hospital To Conserve Gas

Due to major flooding and a bridge being washed away near Ashurst, the gas supply to Hawke’s Bay is now extremely reduced. It is estimated that it could take two weeks to rebuild the bridge and reinstall the gas line.

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s project engineer, Gavin Carey-Smith said although the hospital is considered to be an essential service and a priority customer for gas, they have been asked to further reduce their usage to preserve the remaining gas held in the existing line.

Our gas suppliers have advised that based on the current reduced consumption, there is approximately five day’s supply remaining in the gas lines. It is therefore highly likely we may be without gas next week.

“We are switching from gas to diesel on our boilers today, and it is likely we will continue to use this for the fortnight,” he said. “Gas is used for heating hot water and radiator heating on the Hawke’s Bay Hospital campus, as well as for cooking in the kitchen, and in sterile services, where surgical instruments are sterilised.

“In addition, all staff are being asked to conserve energy as much as possible, and using cold water, rather than hot, unless essential. Likewise, we’re asking that radiator heaters are turned down or off, where practicable, and that wherever possible the length or frequency of showers/baths is limited, without compromising patient comfort or care.

“We have contingency plans in place for occasions such as this and thankfully, it’s not often we have to put them in to practice,” Mr Carey-Smith said.

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