The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has invested approximately US$90,000 in a major upgrade to its laundry facilities, acquiring and installing a new Electrolux Professional Barrier Washer and an Electrolux Professional Industrial Ironer. According to Antigua News Room, the investment forms part of a broader EC$1.8 million government injection earmarked for operational improvements at the hospital.
The total cost of the upgrade covers not only the equipment itself but also shipping, customs clearance, handling, and pre-installation works required to prepare the laundry facility for the new systems.
Though largely invisible to patients, the hospital laundry is a critical component of daily healthcare operations. Hundreds of linen items — including bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, and theatre linen — must be cleaned, disinfected, and returned to wards and clinical departments every single day. Reliable, modern equipment is essential to maintaining that cycle safely and efficiently.
Investing in Safer Laundry Operations
At the core of the upgrade is a 50 kg Electrolux Professional Hyvolution Barrier Washer, valued at approximately US$53,700. Unlike a standard washing machine, the barrier washer is engineered specifically for healthcare environments. Its dual-door system physically separates contaminated linen from clean linen throughout the entire washing process, substantially reducing the risk of cross-contamination and reinforcing the hospital's infection prevention and control program.
The machine also incorporates intelligent weighing and automated detergent systems, ensuring each load is processed efficiently while minimising unnecessary consumption of water, electricity, and cleaning chemicals.
Improving Efficiency and Linen Quality
Complementing the new washer is a 108-inch Electrolux Professional Industrial Ironer, valued at approximately US$36,200. Built for high-volume hospital use, the ironer is capable of processing up to 150 sheets per day, delivering consistently high-quality finished linen while boosting staff productivity. Its ergonomic design and intelligent operating features are intended to reduce physical strain on employees during daily operations.
The addition of the ironer will allow linen to be turned around more quickly, ensuring that wards and clinical departments receive clean supplies faster and more reliably.
A Better Service for Patients and Staff
Together, the two pieces of equipment are expected to significantly improve the overall efficiency of SLBMC's laundry operations. The upgrade will strengthen infection prevention measures, increase processing capacity, improve linen quality, and reduce the risk of service disruptions caused by ageing machinery.
The investment reflects SLBMC's continued commitment to modernising its infrastructure and supporting the systems that underpin quality patient care. While patients may never see the laundry facility firsthand, they stand to benefit directly — through cleaner linens, stronger infection control, and a more dependable hospital environment.
