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Solution enables high-level healthcare through guaranteed electric power availability

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced the release of a secure power distribution solution for hospital operating theatres that delivers 99.9998 per cent electric power availability (MTBF = 290 years) to help ensure patient safety while increasing the efficiency of medical and maintenance personnel. The solution comprises a tightly integrated and pretested electrical switchboard, uninterruptible power supply, and monitoring system compliant with all applicable regulations and standards. A large, touch panel screen in each operating theatre presents environmental conditions, the status of medical gases, and visual and audible alarms on the occurrence of an insulation or electrical fault, enabling fast decisions by doctors and nurses regarding whether to proceed. Maintenance personnel are simultaneously alerted by mobile phone or pager to enable them to respond quickly and correct the problem. Supervisory personnel benefit from real-time views of conditions across all operating theatres and recording of all electrical events and environmental parameters for 100 per cent traceability and reporting in support of accountability for patient safety.

“Delivering high-quality healthcare demands maximum performance in operating theatres,” said David Gardner, Vice President, Power Business, Schneider Electric Australia.

“A hospital can now ensure the safety of its electrical supply and, in turn, the safety of patients, with a fully integrated and reliable system from a single, trusted manufacturer. The rich data displays, alarming and event traceability will give hospital administrators confidence that medical personnel will stay focused on their patients, procedures will run smoothly, and any problems will be addressed quickly and be fully documented. The solution also represents multiple cost benefits, through infrastructure optimisation and time savings.”

Compliant with Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 3003 – 2011 and AS/NZS 4510 - 1999, the solution delivers a high level of power quality, continuity of service, and a range of innovative design and wiring methods that prevent electromagnetic disturbances. The system architecture has been pre-designed, type-tested, and subjected to extensive safety studies in order to maximise power availability and minimise risk of failure. It is supported by a complete range of services from Schneider Electric, including engineering, maintenance, energy efficiency improvements, onsite and online support, and training.