Dalestorth pupils ‘go green’ at hospital visit

They were taught about the site’s revolutionary geothermal heating system by Skanska’s Damian Kilday and Stuart Locking, the company who carried out the major redevelopment work in 2008 and 2009.

Alan Franks from Medirest also gave home energy saving advice and explained the various ways the hospital recycles.

The children produced posters to be displayed across the hospital, promoting green energy and recycling, and were awarded certificates and goody bags. “The trip to the hospital was fun and interesting,” said Maddison Piddock, aged nine.

Karis Robinson, also nine, added: “I found out all the interesting facts, such as how solar energy is used to save money. I also loved the goody bags.”

Lessons were learnt, however, about how careful Skanska’s Damian should be about describing his role at King’s Mill as Sam Braidwood, aged seven, said: “The trip was fascinating because I discovered King’s Mill Hospital is run by only two men!”

When asked to describe in two words what the best bit of the day was it was near unanimous – pudding! No matter how revolutionary the technology, it takes a lot to beat a really good dessert.

Julie Dennis, the hospital’s facilities management performance and quality manager, who organised the event, said: “It is a great opportunity for local children to view the workings of hospital from behind the scenes, as well as develop relationships with the local community.

“Sustainability and carbon reduction is now very much on the NHS agenda and it is important that this, and future generations, are behind the changes that are needed.”

King’s Mill’s heating system is the largest of its kind in Europe the system consists of seven huge radiators sunk into the King’s Mill Reservoir.

It is connected to the hospital under the A38 by bore pipes - halving the hospitals carbon footprint and saving £120,000 in fuel bills each year.