University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is modernising its ageing electrical and mechanical infrastructure through a connected energy and asset management system delivered in partnership with Schneider Electric.
Much of the Trust’s existing infrastructure dates back to the 1970s, creating challenges around maintenance, estate expansion and meeting the NHS target of reaching net zero by 2040.
The project introduces a connected data architecture based on Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform, incorporating EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert and EcoStruxure Asset Advisor, alongside Planon Workplace Insights and connected medium- and low-voltage electrical distribution equipment.
The systems provide the Trust’s estates and facilities team with near real-time information on asset condition and energy use, supporting a move towards condition-based maintenance.
According to Schneider Electric, the data is being used to improve maintenance prioritisation, identify faults and support root-cause analysis, with the aim of reducing maintenance requirements and associated costs.
“We’re already seeing significant operational and efficiency gains as a result of our partnership with Schneider Electric,” said David Jones, Director of Estates, Facilities and Capital Development at the University Hospital of Southampton.
Supporting planned estate expansion
The digital infrastructure is also informing investment decisions as UHS plans a 50,000 sqm expansion of its estate to provide additional clinical space and beds.
The Trust has used operational data to analyse existing electrical load profiles and assess whether its power infrastructure can accommodate increased demand.
This analysis has informed decisions on substation upgrades and the allocation of capital investment.
The approach is intended to provide a more accurate picture of infrastructure capacity than relying on baseline models or assumptions when planning future requirements.
“Digitalisation doesn’t just offer efficiency benefits: it's also a critical piece of the puzzle to deliver on hospital infrastructure that is safe, functional and scalable. Together, we’re setting a benchmark for the future of healthcare infrastructure,” said Alice Williams, VP of Digital Energy UK&I at Schneider Electric.
The project comes as UHS continues to develop its wider estate.
The Trust has previously worked with Willmott Dixon and Prime to deliver additional facilities at the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus, including a new aseptic pharmacy and sterile services department.
