Case Study: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

    Trust-ing in Ramco

    The University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Foundation Trust was formed in 2020 following the merger of two hospital trusts in South East Dorset - the Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals and the Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts. It serves a population of more than 800,000 people and collectively employs 9,000 members of staff. 

    UHD first found out about Ramco in October 2023, when the Trust was about to begin a transformation of the catering services across their hospital locations, beginning initially with the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) site. 

    Aiming to provide a range of modern, high-street standard retail facilities for patients, staff and visitors, and delivery of a new patient catering model meant some kitchen and catering equipment would be upgraded and replaced. Keen to ensure the equipment was reused, and enhance their contribution to the circular economy, UHD partnered with Ramco to help give the assets a new lease of life.

    Giving used equipment a new home

    Following a survey carried out whilst planning the refurbishment of RBH’s Shelley area, UHD had already identified the first items they wanted to rehome. So, Ramco’s work began with a site visit to review the assets, organise the logistics, and agree collection dates.

    With the refurbishment work at RBH being carried out over several months, multiple collections of the equipment needed to be arranged over a four-month period, ensuring minimal disruption to hospital operations. 

    Over two collections, with the latest in March 2024, various pieces of equipment ranging from coffee machines, fridges and freezers to docking stations, tugs, and even a conveyor belt, we’re collected by Ramco and transported to their facility in Skegness. After processing, cataloguing and photography, the equipment was listed in Ramco’s online auction and sold to customers who could ensure each item was given a second life. 

    Two

    collections

    From fridges to

    conveyor belts

    Minimal

    disruption

    A great result, and it’s just the start…

    For almost 30 years, reuse specialists Ramco has been helping organisations make the most of their surplus equipment. Foodservice businesses including Mitchells & Butlers and BaxterStorey, and public sector organisations like the MoD and Anglia Ruskin University, have trusted in Ramco to help give their unwanted assets new life. 

    As well as the environmental benefits relating to reuse, Ramco’s service helped UHD generate a financial return that can be reinvested within the organisation to support the continued development of the Trust’s catering services.

    With the refurbishment of UHD Hospitals catering facilities due to commence very soon, this will pave the way for more unwanted assets to be given a new lease of life.

    “At the University Hospitals Dorset Foundation Trust, we’re committed to operating sustainably, and ensuring the equipment we longer need is reused is a pivotal part of that. So, after we announced the transformation of the catering facilities across our hospitals, we knew we’d need an expert reuse partner to help us find value in the equipment being replaced. 

    “Our growing relationship with Ramco has enabled us to implement a solution that gives our unwanted equipment a second life, helping to reduce waste and promote reuse. We’re pleased to be working with Ramco and looking forward to seeing what other equipment from our ongoing refurbishment projects we can find a new home for.”

    Emma Honnywill, Operations Transformation Manager at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

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