Sector: Healthcare
Client: Russells Hall Hospital, part of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Challenge: Outdated BMS infrastructure and lack of reliable data
Solution: Independent AMR and environmental monitoring platform
Impact: Informed investment decisions, improved compliance, long-term operational insights
The Challenge
With ambitious sustainability targets across the NHS, Russells Hall Hospital needed to assess the efficiency of its heat network, including CHP operations. However, data from the existing BMS (Building Management System) was unreliable, and repairing or replacing the system was cost prohibitive.
The team needed a smarter, more affordable way to understand energy performance, without major capital outlay or disruption to hospital operations.
Our Approach
Optimal Monitoring used an independent AMR and environmental monitoring platform as a more cost-effective alternative to BMS repair. The system was configured to automate complex analysis, combining flow, temperature and consumption data daily. This enabled the hospital team to:
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Track performance in real time
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React quickly to anomalies
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Test assumptions with confidence
The platform was also expanded to include site-wide water, gas and electricity monitoring, supporting better cost apportionment, compliance (eg Legionella), and long-term energy planning.
The Outcome
What began as a temporary monitoring solution has delivered lasting impact. The platform left behind a legacy of audit-ready compliance, sharper energy strategy, and smarter investment decision-making.
On a limited budget, the Trust was able to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades and still gain full visibility of energy performance—evidence that the right tools can unlock value far beyond the original scope.
Key Learnings
Monitoring systems can provide lasting value long after the initial project goals are achieved. In this case, flexibility avoided the need for disruptive works or unnecessary meter installs – saving time, cost and resource, without compromising outcomes.
On a limited budget, the Trust was able to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades and still gain full visibility of energy performance. This is evidence that the right tools can unlock value far beyond the original scope.