QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL I PROFILE
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados is making significant strides towards sustainability as it serves as the island’s primary acute care facility. Report by QEH.
With a rich history dating back to 1964, and an expansion in bed capacity to 519, QEH is committed to enhancing its environmental practices and ensuring resilience against natural disasters.
The QEH campus, which started as a singular building, has expanded to include multiple buildings and locations. The hospital is the single largest employer, where approximately 3,000 persons are employed.
Sustainability initiatives
QEH acknowledges that hospitals consume large amounts of energy due to extensive medical equipment. The facility is set to invest BBD$130 million in upgrades, incorporating
newer, more energy-efficient technologies. The engineering department, led by Paula Agbowu, closely evaluates equipment purchases to ensure alignment with sustainability goals, as the Director admitted: “It’s no secret that hospitals are energy grabbers.”
Understanding the importance of water, especially in a hurricane-prone region, QEH has installed 130,000 gallons of backup water storage. It has also installed standby generators capable of providing power to the entire facility for a minimum of two weeks at the current load, once the diesel tanks are full.
The ability of the hospital to have 100% power backup at the main campus allows
the team to function during most eventualities. The off-site facilities are also serviced by generators and cover areas such as the Emergency Ambulance Service, the Infectious Disease Building and the Blood Collecting Unit.
The hospital also aims to extend its water backup capacity further from 96 hours to one week. Until this is fully implemented, there is a plan for the rationing of water during emergencies to ensure key areas are supplied, emphasizing the critical need for water in hospital operations from hand washing and cooking, to mixing medications.
Ms Agbowu indicated that the hospital is transitioning to sustainable waste
management practices, including upgrading its first-generation incinerator technology and focusing on recycling and autoclaving. This shift aims to minimise environmental harm while meeting WHO regulations for certain waste.
Future plans include creating green spaces, utilising the condensate water from air conditioning drains, reusing run-off water for toilet flushing or similar, and potentially growing herbs and vegetables for the hospital kitchen, fostering a connection to nature that enhances the patient experience.
Finally, QEH is exploring telemedicine programmes and occupancy sensor lighting to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Community and preparedness
As the sole acute care facility on the island, QEH plays a crucial role in the community. Its push towards self-sufficiency is not only
about resilience but also about alleviating the pressure on national emergency services during crises.
Ms Agbowu emphasized the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events, noting that the hospital is equipped to handle most disasters, but she did go on to point out that the Island has not been “truly tested as our neighbouring Caribbean Islands have been.”
Challenges and collaborations
While QEH leads in sustainability within the region, Ms Agbowu recognized that not all facilities have the same resources. The Government of Barbados has been instrumental in supporting QEH’s initiatives, allowing for upgrades without straining the hospital’s budget.
Through incremental changes and a clear vision for the future, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is setting an example for
sustainability in healthcare. With ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and environmental responsibility, QEH is not only improving its operational capabilities, but also inspiring others in the region to follow suit.
“Every day, we are making little changes, and these add up incrementally,” said Ms Agbowu, in conclusion. “Seeing where we were, compared to where we are now, and looking forward to where we hope to get, really inspires me. When I joined the QEH, we did not have anywhere near the water or standby power capacity we have today. Everything we do is to ensure that our patient experience is the best and safest possible.” n
