Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for delivering power to 3.9 million homes and businesses across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, has been recognised by the NHS for its important role in powering the new Nightingale Hospital North East.

The network operator, which provides the critical infrastructure that is powering customers’ homes, hospitals and supermarkets across the region during the pandemic, energised its enhanced electricity network infrastructure last month (17 April) in readiness for the hospital on Washington’s IAMP business park officially opening its doors today (5 May). 

“To build a new hospital in just a few short weeks is a remarkable collaborative effort between the NHS, its partners and contractors.  Northern Powergrid and its contractor have been extremely supportive in ensuring we have the electricity infrastructure in place to safely power the hospital for as long as it is needed.  I congratulate all of the Northern Powergrid team for their expertise and hard work, it is hugely appreciated,” said Nightingale Hospital North East executive lead, Martin Wilson.

Rod Gardner, Northern Powergrid’s Head of Network Operations, said: “By working in partnership with government, the NHS, Local Resilience Forums and agency partners we have been able to proudly support this important new facility and its part in the national response to COVID-19.

“We, and our contractor team at Integrated Utility Services, delivered an improved 11,000 volts connection to the new business park to support the creation of the field hospital.  An expert team was brought together to assess the network and look at what work could be done to improve the network connection so its configured and operating in the best possible way to support the new field hospital.

“In around 10 days our teams had delivered on our part in the project by successfully installing additional high voltage switch gear, a new transformer and the latest network automation technology on the section of the network serving the site, so we can support it as a priority and automatically restore supplies quickly if there was a supply issue. 

“We’re incredibly proud of the teams that have been involved in this work and for the recognition from our NHS partners for the role they have played in supporting the creation of this field hospital.  Their focus and dedication is an example of what we are seeing all across our business from our great people as they enable us to continue to deliver our essential role in society and importantly support the vital national COVID-19 response.”

Northern Powergrid also demonstrated its ability to respond quickly by enhancing the power network that serves the new Nightingale field hospital in Harrogate which was officially opened last month by Captain Tom Moore, now promoted to Colonel by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his outstanding NHS fundraising and to mark his 100th birthday celebrations on 30 April. 

Northern Powergrid’s network continues to perform as it should for customers and the company remains ready to support, wherever possible, any further requests to power new field hospitals or critical sites in the North East of England as part of the national response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The network operator, which is also carrying out necessary works and repairs to keep its network safe and reliable for customers, is continuing to remind people that they should only approach its teams in an emergency – and always maintain social distancing.

Anyone needing support can contact the network operator 24/7 on social media (Facebook or Twitter @NorthPowergrid) or by calling 105.  Its website also provides information and advice to support customers if they have or need to report a power cut.

Any customers who may need additional advice or support due to their medical circumstances, or are currently ‘shielding’ in line with government and public health advice, may wish to consider joining the company’s free Priority Services Register by visiting northernpowergrid.com/cares  or calling 0800 169 2296.

To find out more about how Northern Powergrid and its people are powering the region during the pandemic visit northernpowergrid.com/coronavirus of follow the network operator on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.