The MITIE Group PLC, in partnership with a number of their key suppliers, took on the challenge to design , plan and install a remarkable solar power system for the new children's unit. This £25,000.00 project was meticulously planned and tested before final despatch to the Gambia. Clearly any design flaws or parts shortages would prove a logistical nightmare when on site in The Gambia.
 My sincere thanks go to the team at MITIE that made this project possible that now enables the new children's unit to have power 24/7, Colin Acheson, Mark Lowrey, Stephen Barthorpe, Colin Pugh, Richard Starkey, Stuart Norton and Adam Knott to name but a few. My special thanks must go to Mark Lowrey and apprentice Adam Knott who were ultimately responsible for the installation of this system with back up on site from our building contractor Jim Wadda. The working conditions endured by Mark and Adam during the installation were very extreme, with daily temperatures of over fifty degrees centigrade and temperatures in the roof void being almost unbearable.
I am thrilled to report that the installation was carried out without a hitch and the system worked perfectly from the very first 'switch on'. This installation now guarantees constant supplies of oxygen and lighting to assist with; after dark care, night time emergencies and the dispensing of drugs. The solar power has played a significant role in helping to further reduce the mortality rate. Since the new children's unit opened in June 2006 the mortality rate has fallen by 76%. Clearly this installation has vastly improved the ability of the staff to deliver high quality life saving patient care during the difficult night time shifts. It is worth noting that pre solar power the lighting used to deal with all emergencies was candles and torches!
Once again my most sincere thanks to all at MITIE for their extraordinary commitment to this life saving project.
Anita Smith.
Solar Power - Preparation to Installation
|
|
|
Preparations at MITIE UK
|
|
|
|
Everything required would need transporting to the Gambia, including all necessary tools
|
|
|
|
Loading underway
|
|
|
|
Adam during the early stages of the Installation
|
|
|
|
Spectators gather at every vantage point to watch the installation
|
|
|
|
Almost there
|
|
|
|
|
The battery house
|
|
|
|
The batteries
|
|
|
|
Mark and Adam display a certain satisfaction at a job very well done
|
|
The big switch on
|
|
The end result - power at the flick of a switch, 24/7
|
(MITIE: Solar Power)
|
