HCP, a division of SAS International, supplied a radiant heating solution to the new Oncology and Haematology Unit at the PFI Castle Hill Hospital in Hull. Leading building services contractor Haden Young specified the mechanical and electrical services for the project, which is a development for the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

1,826 linear metres of ceiling mounted radiant panels were chosen as an alternative space heating solution to traditional wall-mounted radiators as both wall and floor space is freed up. This led to an increase in the amount of usable space available and flexibility in room planning, an important consideration in the Oncology and Haematology Unit.

In a healthcare environment a ‘clean product solution’ is important and HCP systems operate without significant air movement, leading to less air-borne particles, such as dust. Radiant Heating panels contain no moving parts, resulting in low service and maintenance requirements and importantly reduced whole life costs.

The panels are easy to maintain, come in a wide range of RAL colours, and can integrate a special Anti-Bacterial coating. An anti-ligature option is also available, which is suitable for secure facilities such as mental health units and prisons.

The HCP radiant heating panels are manufactured from aluminium and copper, are recyclable and have a long life cycle. Radiant heating systems contain approximately one seventh the amount of water of a traditional radiator system, resulting in a reduction in the associated energy consumption. This can help towards achieving higher EPC (Energy Performance Certificates), DECs (Display Energy Certificates) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ratings.

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the larger acute trusts in the UK, providing a full range of acute services to almost 600,000 people in the Hull and East Yorkshire region. The Trust has 1,500 beds, over 7,500 staff and an annual income of approximately £400m (2008/2009). Over the last five years the Trust has opened a number of new state-of-the-art facilities such as the £6m Hull and East Yorkshire Eye Hospital and the £35m Women and Children’s Hospital, both at Hull Royal Infirmary.

This year the Trust will complete its current major development programme at Castle Hill Hospital with the opening of the new £70m Cancer Centre, a £48m Cardiac and Elective Centre, and a £12m Research and Teaching (including Day Surgery) building.

Email: info@hcp-sasint.co.uk