The centralAlliance contract recently marked its first year providing Integrated Facilities Maintenance and Hotel Services on behalf of the MidCentral and Whanganui district health boards on New Zealand's North Island. 

The centralAlliance team has been delivering high quality healthcare support services to the communities served by Palmerston North, and Whanganui hospitals, and Horowhenua Health Centre, and regional hospitals at Rangitikei and Taihape.  

Ventia's biggest health services contract also includes about a dozen regional off-site facilities, including Waimarino Health Care Centre and more than 20 fixed and mobile dental clinics.  
 

Implementing innovations for the client

Led by former Northern Beaches Hospital Project Director Jonathan Woodman, the 250-strong team provides a variety of facilities management services, such as building, asset and utilities management, grounds maintenance, pest control and fire safety systems. Cleaning, waste management, orderly, mail room, security, fleet, and local and regional courier services are also included in the contract. 

Jonathan said the first year had seen Ventia implement a number of improvements and innovations for the client. These include Covid safety measures, such as using sensors to check facilities, rather than sending a technician into a potentially hazardous environment, and using Internet of Things (IOT) technology to help predict machine failure, potentially extending the life of an asset.

"Ventia has a division devoted to IOT technology, which uses sensors, software, and other technologies to collect and share data with other devices connected to the internet," Jonathan said. 

Our IOT program has enhanced the life cycle strategic management of certain assets by allowing us to move to a predictive maintenance program.

^{Whanganui is one of the communities covered by the centralAlliance healthcare support services.} 
 

Introducing SAP in a health setting

A single service desk has also been created for hospital staff to access Ventia services. 

"Our contract was the first to introduce SAP in a health setting and all users have 24/7 access to our online Service Request portal and a 0800 number to access our call centres based in Christchurch, Palmerston North and Whanganui. 

Previously people had to call different phone numbers or send emails, but now they just call one or click on the service request icon on their desktop to register their trackable request. This has saved staff time and ensured consistency across the network.

Jonathan said the team was a mixture of old hands who had worked at many of the facilities for many years, bringing with them great experience and staff who had joined Ventia at the start of the contract. All have worked hard together to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements and are committed to delivering service excellence for our communities. 

Recognising long-term staff

"We have recently introduced an award and recognition program and have paid tribute to some of the long-term staff who have worked at the facilities we now manage for several decades," Jonathan said. 

^{Project Director Jonathan Woodman (left) congratulates Donald Ross for his 40th anniversay at Whanganui District Health Board.}

"This includes Donald Ross who this year marked his 40th anniversary at Whanganui District Health Board, delivering life-saving medical gases to patients in the comfort of their own homes. 

"Katherine Winter, Richard Clouston, Tony Hermansen and Rosalie Watson were also recognised for their 20 years of service to MidCentral District Health Board, providing cleaning, orderly and engineering services. 

I congratulate them on their service to the community and client-focus and look forward to their continued contribution to the centralAlliance team. 

^{Pictured at top: Palmerston North Hospital is covered by the centralAlliance contract.}