January 14, 2025In the heart of our bustling health service, the Northern Health engineering team quietly works their magic. Like unsung heroes, they operate behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly while doctors and nurses, and everyone else, focus on what they do best – caring for patients.
The engineering team is responsible for maintaining the hospital’s infrastructure, from the heating and cooling systems to the medical gas lines that deliver life-saving oxygen to patients. Their work is essential, especially in a health service that prides itself on being at the forefront of patient care. But what truly set Northern Health’s engineering team apart is their commitment to sustainability.
As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues, the team embraces the challenge of reducing our carbon footprint. They implemented energy-efficient systems, upgraded lighting to LED, installed solar panels and ensure they make eco-friendly decisions. Our reward for this commitment comes in the form a number one ranking as the most energy efficient health service in Victoria according to NABERS Sustainability Portfolio Index (SPI).
More recently, the team celebrated a win, alongside their finance colleagues, in the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. Among some very significant competition, Northern Health emerged as winners in the category ‘Creating a sustainable and climate resilient health system’ with their submission: Virtual healthcare – reducing the health sector’s carbon footprint. This puts Northern Health well on the path to achieving its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The engineering team are key to achieving this.
Alex Jovanovski, Director, Engineering and Building Services, is proud of the team, saying, “We have a lot of ground to cover in such a large health service with many campuses, but it is rewarding to know that we are contributing in such a meaningful way to our patients, our staff and the environment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the engineering team for their hard work.”
Basil Ireland, Chief Financial Officer, recognises the important role the engineering team play in Northern Health reaching its sustainability objectives.
“The engineering team has been outstanding in their commitment to implementing energy saving initiatives. We are proud of the recognition received through our most recent awards, and will continue to work together to ensure we achieve our targets,” says Basil.
Northern Health’s engineering team proves that behind every great health service, there lies a dedicated group of individuals who not only fix leaky pipes and maintain equipment but also care deeply for the environment and the community. Their down to earth nature, sense of teamwork, skill, and hard work make them the true heartbeat of our hospitals, keeping them running smoothly and ensuring that both patients and the planet receive the care they deserve.
Pictured in featured image: The Engineering team at Northern Health.
