Changing technologies, similar challenges

Retired hospital engineer, Keith White, MIHEA, looks looks back at an interesting and varied spell as assistant reginal engineer at the Orana and Far West region of the New South Wales Department of Health in Australia. Giving some forthright views, he reflects on the advances and changes in technology he saw over the period, remembers some of the key engineering and maintenance tasks within he and his colleagues’ remit, and recalls experiences ranging from dealing with a serious white ant infestation, to travelling vast distances to service hospitals in remote locations. 

started in the health system when engineers and tradespeople were attached to hospitals, as the Regions were for Administration purposes only. In 1979 Orana and Far West decided the engineer, Robert Lowden – who I came to admire for his resourcefulness and capability to work miracles on a shoestring budget – needed assistance in the fields of electrical and refrigeration work. 

The early 1980s saw a sharp rise in oil costs, and many of the smaller hospitals in the region were dependent on the fossil fuel for water and space heating. Consequently the regional director, Robert Taylor, directed Robert Lowden, the regional engineer, to research the Regions’ needs and find suitable replacement systems. The guidelines stated that as much solar contribution was to be used as was financially and practically possible. Robert Lowden set me that task, and I consulted Hosplan, the best resource group for such advice. Unfortunately, with a change of government several years later, Hosplan was disbanded. Had it been left alone to provide advice, many of the disasters we have seen in the design and functionality of newer projects would have been averted.