Bustamante Hospital expected to save from new lighting system

KINGSTON — The Bustamante Hospital for Children, in Kingston, is expected to save significantly on its energy consumption, while improving security for its users, with the installation of solar security lighting on the grounds.

This involved the retrofitting of 19 High Pressure Sodium (HPS) outdoor security lights with more energy efficient 56 watt Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lamps for the driveway and parking area.

The new lighting system, donated by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), through the Ministry of Energy and Mining, will save the health facility some $1.3 million per year or 27 megawatt hours per year. The installation cost was $7.6 million.

Speaking at the handing over at the hospital on May 18, Minister of State in the Ministry of Energy and Mining, Hon. Laurence Broderick said energy efficiency and conservation are critical to the nation’s development, and the lights would reduce the energy bill.

He argued that the change in the energy culture and consumption of Jamaicans must start from the household and commercial sectors, to ensure sustainability.

“We are aware that success in this area requires a paradigm shift or lifestyle changes in the way we Jamaicans use energy,” he said, adding that the Government must lead the way in the thrust.

Group Chief Technical Director, PCJ, Dr. Earl Green said the project is one of 35  completed by the PCJ over the last fiscal year, which promote energy efficiency and technological innovation, and has resulted in the equivalent saving of 3,000 barrels of  oil.

Dr. Green encouraged other stakeholders, especially those in the private sector, to ensure that energy efficiency measures are practised island wide.

Chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), Lyttleton Shirley, said this approach to saving energy is one of the most practical and viable cost saving solutions, which support the cost containment strategies the region has employed over the past two years in the face of rising health care cost.

The PCJ has also provided security lighting solutions to five other health facilities – the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, Bellevue Hospital, Hope Institute, Windward Road Health Centre and the Comprehensive Health Centre.

Established in 1963, the Bustamante Hospital for Children is the only paediatric hospital in the English speaking Caribbean, catering to children from birth to 12 years of age.

By CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS Reporter