Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network
Kangaroo Island leads with all-electric health care
Kangaroo Island Health Service (KIHS) at Kingscote is the first health facility in South Australia to operate entirely on electricity, following a coordinated gas phase-out led by the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN). By replacing gas systems with efficient electric alternatives, the site has significantly reduced its environmental impact while lowering operational costs.
This has been enabled through a dedicated and coordinated program of works to replace all previously gas-powered assets and infrastructure, including hot water systems, cooking appliances, steam generator boilers and gas heaters.
Through leadership, project design, administration, and management by the BHFLHN Corporate Services directorate, led locally by BHFLHN Facilities Manager Daniel Roesler, this initiative highlights the dedication of BHFLHN to lowering their health care services’ greenhouse gases and general environmental impact.
Using electricity can provide the same output as gas, however electricity has a significantly reduced impact on the environment and will be less expensive than gas, making the KIHS transition to electricity a cost-effective decision, with reduced operational costs.
This move to electricity is especially important on Kangaroo Island where gas prices are significantly more expensive per litre than on the mainland and aligns with Kangaroo Island's reputation for unspoilt beauty and pristine natural landscapes.
Health services at KIHS include emergency care, acute and medical services, midwifery and birthing, outpatient services, general surgery, community and allied health, mental health services, Aboriginal health, palliative care, and residential aged care for 36 residents.
With the success of KIHS, BHFLHN are working through opportunities at their ten other health service sites to reduce or remove gas usage, including the current new Mt Barker Hospital major capital development which will be built gas free.
BHFLHN are excited to be leaders, enabling KIHS to become the first South Australian health care service to be powered solely by electricity, and they are passionate about reducing their environmental impact, while continuing to provide highest-quality health care to patients, residents, and community.
Please note that the information provided has been submitted by the organisation and has not been independently verified.
