Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Invests US$90,000 in Laundry Upgrade

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has invested approximately US$90,000 in upgrading its laundry services with the procurement and installation of a new Electrolux Professional Barrier Washer and Electrolux Professional Industrial Ironer. This upgrade has been enabled and is a part of the government’s injection of 1.8 million dollars Eastern Caribbean Dollars for operational improvements of the hospital.

The investment includes not only the purchase of the equipment but also the associated costs of shipping, customs clearance, handling, and pre-installation works necessary to prepare the laundry facility for the new systems.

While often operating behind the scenes, the hospital laundry plays a vital role in patient care. Every day, hundreds of pieces of linen—including bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, and theatre linen—must be cleaned, disinfected, and returned to wards and clinical departments in a timely manner. Modern, reliable equipment is therefore essential to ensuring the hospital can continue to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality healthcare.

Investing in Safer Laundry Operations

The centerpiece of the investment is a 50 kg Electrolux Professional Hyvolution Barrier Washer, with an equipment value of approximately US$53,700.

Unlike a conventional washing machine, the barrier washer is specifically designed for healthcare facilities. It features a dual-door system that keeps contaminated linen separate from clean linen throughout the washing process, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and supporting the hospital’s infection prevention and control program .

The new washer also uses intelligent weighing and automated detergent systems to ensure every load is washed efficiently while reducing unnecessary consumption of water, electricity, and cleaning chemicals.

Improving Efficiency and Linen Quality

Complementing the new washer is a 108-inch Electrolux Professional Industrial Ironer, valued at approximately US$36,200.

Designed for high-volume hospital operations, the ironer can efficiently process up to 150 sheets each day, producing consistently high-quality finished linen while improving staff productivity. Its ergonomic design and intelligent operating features also make it easier and safer for employees to use, helping reduce physical strain during daily operations.

The addition of the ironer means hospital linen can be processed more quickly, allowing wards and clinical departments to receive clean linen faster and more consistently.

A Better Service for Patients and Staff

Together, the new washer and ironer will significantly improve the efficiency of the hospital’s laundry operations. They will strengthen infection prevention measures, increase processing capacity, improve the quality of hospital linens, and reduce the likelihood of service interruptions caused by aging equipment.

This investment is another example of SLBMC’s commitment to modernizing its facilities and investing in the systems that support quality healthcare. While patients may never see the hospital laundry in operation, they benefit from it every day through cleaner linens, improved infection control, and more reliable support services that contribute to a safer hospital environment.

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