When the Lincoln General Hospital in Ruston, Louisiana invested in the Water Energy ozone laundry treatment system, it was certainly expecting to save money on energy costs — after all the investment was funded by the state of Louisiana under a program designed to help improve energy-efficiency of government buildings. But it turns out that energy savings were just the beginning.
Brent Rutherford, Director of Environmental Services and Laundry
at Lincoln General, was surprised by the initial response which came in the form of "thank-you" notes from the housekeeping staff, who were under the mistaken impression that the hospital had purchased brand new linens. According to Rutherford, nothing of the sort had happened — in fact the hospital had not purchased any linens in over a year and a half.
But he wasn't surprised by the reaction of the staff, because after washing linens and comforters with the Water Energy ozone system, comforters which were once flattened and rough are now fluffy and soft. And the hospital's incontinent pads once again appear brand new as well. The Water Energy ozone system was successful in removing all stains from the hospital's stock.
Rutherford plans to keep very detailed records of the cost savings over the coming months and years, and he suspects there will be a significant increase in life-span of linens at the hospital. He will also watch carefully to see if the occurrence of bed sores decreases as well, due to the elimination of many chemicals used in traditional laundry processes.
"Any hospital looking for energy savings will be pleasantly surprised by these other benefits," says Rutherford. "It just makes me feel proud about the job we are doing for our patients and staff."
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