Section of woodland planted as part of carbon offsetting scheme for Hull’s £8m ICU
There’s no doubt that Hull’s new multi-million pound Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a huge leap forward in the provision of quality care to critically ill patients.
Constructed by Helix CMS in 2021, the new three-storey unit boasts 24 individual glass fronted cubicles containing electric hoists, Draeger ceiling pendants for essential services, and negative air extraction to help with infection control. Add to this a dedicated bed lift linking straight to surgical theatres and it arguably becomes one of the most enviable critical care facilities in the country.
But that’s not the end of the story.
“One of things that’s really important to us in all of our projects is the notion of giving back,” says Joe Fletcher, Senior Site Manager at Helix CMS.
“While we can see the benefit this amazing new facility brings to the local community, we also wanted to do something nearby to improve the future sustainability of the project. That’s why we have chosen to donate the trees to create an area of woodland in North Yorkshire which will be dedicated to Hull Royal Infirmary’s ICU. We can expect the trees in this woodland will sequester 55 Tonnes of CO2 over the next 40 years.”
The woodland dedicated to the ICU is part of a wider project called ‘Make it Wild’ which promotes carbon offsetting through the creation of green spaces and tree planting. Helix has arranged for a special plaque, engraved in oak, to be sited within the woodland space which officially dedicates the area to Hull’s Intensive Care Unit.
Joe, who managed the ICU project, was joined by Mark Pearson, Construction Director at Helix CMS in returning to the unit to present a special gift, marking the donation, to ICU staff.
Sister Becky Redmore says:
“Staff are thrilled with their new workplace; it’s proving to be a much more modern, suitable and better equipped environment in which to care for our critically ill patients.
“We were pleased to see that more environmentally friendly solutions were factored into the build from the start, such as energy efficient lighting, air source heat pumps and chiller units. Now it’s great to know that not only are the building and the people within in doing their bit for the environment, but that we also have an area of woodland out there in our name to help offset the emissions we do generate, both now and in the future.
“We’re thrilled that Mark and Joe have been able to return to the unit to present us with our own copy of the woodland certificate, and of course to see how well the new unit is running.”