THE CLIENT
St. Bernward Hospital in Hildesheim was founded in 1852. Today, it is a mature and modern hospital with over 500 beds. The approximately 1,600 employees care for the well-being of 27,000 inpatients and 60,000 outpatients annually. In addition, there are 37,000 emergency admissions per year, of which 16,000 patients receive further inpatient treatment. The hospital is an indispensable part of the healthcare infrastructure for the city and region of Hildesheim.
THE CLIENT'S NEEDS
Nothing is more important to hospitals than the health of their patients. A reliable supply of water treated in accordance with standards is a prerequisite for safe operation for various components in the building.
One of the greatest challenges for a historically "grown" hospital is to keep equipment and technology up to date. New technology must be integrated into the existing structure in a spatially and technically trouble-free manner. In addition, water quality is subject to strict requirements, especially for instrument reprocessing. For the central sterile supply department (CSSD or AEMP) this is specified in country specific standards, e.g. in the German DIN EN 285.
With the turn of the year 2020/21, the hospital has significantly expanded the existing capacities for the treatment of pure and ultrapure water and completely redesigned them. The water treatment system was to have a two-stage and redundant design. In addition to the CSSD, air scrubbers must also be supplied via the systems.
THE SOLUTION
Several SIRION Advanced and SIRION mini reverse osmosis plants provide multi-stage and redundant treatment. This was preceded by a one-year test of a pilot plant of the new series introduced in 2019. SIRION Advanced are desalination plants of the latest generation. After successful completion of the test phase, the prototype was exchanged and replaced by series equipment.
A total of four reverse osmosis (RO) units with a total capacity of 2,300 l/h were installed in the plant room - this includes three new SIRION Advanced units and one existing RO. The systems primarily supply ventilation and air conditioning, but also the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD).
THE PROCESS
The systems are connected in series and take over the basic supply of pure water for ventilation and cooling. The units have a redundant design and protect each other in the event that one unit fails or requires maintenance. The two smaller systems produce the qualitatively more demanding ultrapure water for sterile supply. They, too, have a redundant design. This two-stage basic concept has proven successful in many hospitals, especially when older osmosis systems are already in place and can continue to operate as a back-up.
The systems are connected to the Hubgrade digital service platform. This allows the complete water treatment process to be mapped in real time. Process data, service measures and the laboratory results of water analyses are stored centrally and this digital monitoring replaces the classic operating diary. In addition, alarm functions warn of critical operating conditions and insufficient water quality.