Improving electrical resilience and water safety at Cheltenham General Hospital

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is delivering a programme of major estates infrastructure upgrades at Cheltenham General Hospital (CGH) to improve resilience, reduce operational risk and support safe patient care across the site.

Led by Gloucestershire Managed Services (GMS) Estates team, the works focus on critical electrical and water systems that underpin clinical activity. A significant element of the programme is the replacement of ageing low‑ and high‑voltage switchgear at College Road. This upgrade This upgrade strengthens electrical resilience and enhances reliability across clinical areas.

In addition, targeted replacement of low‑voltage distribution panels within pathology is being undertaken to address condition, safety and load management concerns. These improvements provide safer electrical isolation, improved reliability and better integration with the site-wide electrical distribution network.

At St Pauls wing, end‑of‑life chlorine dioxide generation equipment used for mains water treatment has successfully been replaced. The system plays a critical role in water disinfection and legionella control.The upgraded maintains microbiological water quality and introduces improved dosing control, telemetry and reliability across the CGH estate.

Further improvements include the replacement of plate heat exchangers serving domestic hot water systems within pathology. These enhancements improve heat transfer efficiency, reduce the risk of bacterial growth, lower maintenance demand and ensure compliance with hot water temperature and performance standards. Additional capacity also provides N+1 resilience, strengthening continuity of service.

Jamie Lavis, GHFT Portfolio Director of Estates and Facilities said:

“This programme is about investing in the essential infrastructure that keeps our hospital safe and resilient. By upgrading electrical and water systems that are critical to clinical care, we are reducing risk, improving reliability and ensuring our estates can continue to support patients and staff safely, now and in the future.”

Mark Johnston Wood, GMS Director of Estates and Facilities, said:

“GMS is committed to delivering complex estates upgrades to a high standard, through robust planning, strong governance and close collaboration with clinical teams. I would like to thank the patients and staff for their patience and cooperation during the temporary inconvenience associated with these essential works.”