New oxygen tanks build a more sustainable future

You may have noticed some work underway at Forté Health.  It’s all part of our constant focus on innovation – ways we can do things better for our staff, our patients and our environment.

As a result, Forté Health is upgrading its oxygen supply system to a bulk tank known as a Vacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE).  What this means is rather than storing oxygen as a compressed gas in cylinders, the VIE will store liquid oxygen at -180˚C.  The liquid is heated via a large vaporizing unit turning liquid oxygen into its gaseous form.

Forté Health Anaesthetic Unit Manager Mandy Forrester says the installation of the VIE system will reduce the constant flow of bottled oxygen to the hospital.

“Our current system of having an oxygen cylinder bank is labour intensive for both suppliers and designated Forté staff. Due to increased volumes we reviewed our scope for oxygen supply to Forté Health.  By installing the VIE we are reducing manual handling and future proofing our services for the foreseeable future,” says Mandy.

The process of installing the VIE will require significant ground works whilst pipes and services are laid, however the construction team is working hard to minimise disruption with car parking and access to the buildings maintained at all times.  Work on the installation started at the beginning of November and is due to be complete at the end of February.