Emergency boiler hire provides safe showering facilities at Nightingale hospital

Before the former Manchester Central railway station could open its doors as a functioning temporary field hospital, a solution was required to ensure that shower areas were ready for staff to use. The multi-purpose G-MEX convention complex was quickly converted into a 650-bed medical facility following various interior modifications that were essential in order for this to happen.

Prior to the hospital admitting its first patient, healthcare authorities stressed the importance of nurses, doctors and other professionals having constant access to a safe environment to wash. Our client was keen to find a reliable source of hot water to supply a 60-shower block, which could be operational within a short space of time. They called on us to provide a solution without disturbing contractors overseeing other parts of the fit-out.

After assessing the required capacities within two hours of first contact, a 500kW boiler was installed outside the building and connected to existing pipework. The boiler was operational a short time after installation and we also advised our customer of the importance of maintaining a warm temperature within the shower block.

A large difference in temperature between the shower water and the ambient air surrounding the facility can cause thermal shocks. Those who have suffered thermal shocks are likely to endure a weakened immune system, which can affect the body’s ability to fight infection. It was therefore critical that the potential for this outcome was eliminated, and we proposed a solution accordingly.

By deploying an indirect fired Aurora FH 2000 heater outside the application and ducting large volumes of warm air inside, we were able to ensure that temperatures were constantly maintained at a safe level. This temporary heater hire arrangement complemented the use of our boiler to guarantee the safety of anyone using the shower amenities within the hospital.

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