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In November 2023, as the world grappled with the looming threat of power blackouts due to low gas reserves stemming from the Ukraine/Russia war, the Teesside Hospice found itself in a precarious situation. Their existing generator was in need of urgent attention to support its critical in-patient care department. It was at this juncture that three individuals, two electricians, and the diligent facilities manager of the hospice reached out to Bellwood Rewinds for assistance. What followed was a heartwarming story of generosity, dedication, and unwavering support.
The calls began pouring in around November 2023, and for the Teesside Hospice, the timing couldn’t have been worse. With power blackouts and brownouts dominating headlines due to the gas reserves crisis arising from the Ukraine/Russia war, anxiety and uncertainty ran high. The two electricians who had recommended Bellwood Rewinds understood the gravity of the situation and felt that urgent intervention was required.
When the facilities manager from the Teesside Hospice got in touch, the urgency of the matter became even more apparent. The existing generator at the hospice was their lifeline, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of their in-patient care department. It was under these circumstances that Bellwood Rewinds received the distress calls, setting in motion a series of events that would ultimately change the hospice’s fortunes.
Upon receiving the pleas for help, Bellwood Rewinds promptly arranged a site visit to the Teesside Hospice. The facilities manager welcomed them, leading them to the existing generator house, a place where the heart of the hospice’s operations beat. What they encountered was a sight that emphasised the urgency of the situation.
The existing generator, the one they hoped to revitalise and bring back into service, was in a deplorable state. It was evident that it was no longer fit for purpose, particularly considering the critical nature of the cases being cared for in the in-patient department. Bellwood Rewinds’ experienced technician assessed the generator, recognising that finding an immediate replacement was no small feat.
To complicate matters, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic had created shortages in the generator market, while manufacturers struggled to source essential components. This presented a daunting challenge in procuring a new generator promptly.
Despite the hurdles ahead, Bellwood Rewinds made a profound and altruistic decision. Recognising the immediate need of the Teesside Hospice and the challenges posed by the generator shortages, they offered to donate a 100Kva silent running diesel generator and a 100A three-phase automatic transfer switch (ATS) to the hospice. This act of generosity was a lifeline for the hospice, as it meant they would have a reliable power source to safeguard their patients while awaiting a permanent solution.
The installation of the new generator was a complex task, compounded by the hospice’s continuous operation at full capacity. Coordination with various stakeholders, including boiler engineers, IT support personnel, oxygen system engineers, and more, was crucial to ensure a seamless transition.
When the installation was complete, a critical moment arrived. At around 5 pm, the mains were intentionally turned off for testing. The hospice was plunged into darkness, save for a few emergency lights. It was a tense few seconds before the hire generator roared to life, and the ATS seamlessly switched to the generator’s power source, illuminating the hospice and restoring peace of mind to everyone present.
The hire generator remained on standby from December 2022 until April 2023, fortunately never being called into action. During this period, Bellwood Rewinds diligently worked on securing a brand-new JCB G115QS silent diesel generator, equipped with advanced features such as an AVR-controlled alternator, a substantial 270-liter full bunded fuel tank, a remote start control panel, a standby battery charger, a coolant jacket heater, and much more. This generator was meticulously tested and fitted with a DSE webnet gateway for remote monitoring, allowing for proactive management and quick responses to any issues that might arise.
When the new generator arrived at Bellwood Rewinds’ workshop, it underwent a rigorous testing regimen to ensure it met the highest standards of reliability and performance. Additionally, a DSE webnet gateway was installed, enabling remote monitoring from a PC or smartphone. This innovative system allowed for the configuration of triggers to send alerts via text or email in response to specific functions or alarms. Furthermore, a weekly 20-minute off-load run was scheduled to ensure that all critical values remained within their specified parameters.
With thorough testing complete, the new generator was ready to be deployed. In April 2023, Bellwood Rewinds’ team arrived at the Teesside Hospice at 7 am with their hiab lorry. They efficiently disconnected and removed the temporary hire generator and seamlessly replaced it with the new JCB G115QS generator. This generator, along with the ATS, was generously donated by Bellwood Rewinds to the Teesside Hospice, and the commitment to provide ongoing servicing, monitoring, and maintenance support was unwavering.
On August 23rd, 2023, Bellwood Rewinds received an unexpected text message around 9 am. The message informed them that the hospice generator had started, which was not part of the scheduled test. Immediately, they checked the monitoring system, and to their concern, the generator was running at around 70% load level. Without delay, they contacted the facilities manager, who confirmed that an unplanned power outage was underway.
Throughout the day, Bellwood Rewinds’ team closely monitored the generator’s performance. The Teesside Hospice continued to operate at full capacity, with no disruptions or issues whatsoever. It was a testament to the reliability of the generator and the meticulous planning that had gone into its installation. As the evening wore on, an estimate was given for the mains to be restored around 7:45 pm. Bellwood Rewinds remained vigilant, with a team prepared to refuel the generator through the night if necessary.
Finally, at around 11 pm, while Bellwood Rewinds’ team was on site carrying out checks, the mains were restored. The generator had fulfilled its crucial role, ensuring the hospice could continue its vital work without interruption. The relief and gratitude from the hospice’s management team were palpable, as they realised that, without the generator, they might have faced the daunting prospect of having to transport patients, some in the last days of their lives, to alternative facilities.
Since that pivotal day, there have been no more power cuts at the Teesside Hospice, thanks to the dependable generator donated by Bellwood Rewinds. The generator continues to perform its weekly test runs, ensuring it is always ready to spring into action if needed. Bellwood Rewinds’ engineers regularly visit the hospice to ensure that all components of the system are operating at peak efficiency.
But the story doesn’t end there. Bellwood Rewinds went a step further in their commitment to support the Teesside Hospice. They took the initiative to remove the old generator from the room (see attached image) where it had long stood. This was not merely a disposal; it was an opportunity to give back. Bellwood Rewinds sold the old generator on behalf of the hospice, and the funds raised were channeled back into the hospice’s finances.
In summary, the partnership between Bellwood Rewinds and the Teesside Hospice is a shining example of how corporate responsibility, community support, and unwavering dedication can transform lives and safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable. Bellwood Rewinds’ remarkable act of generosity, from the initial donation of a generator and ATS to the ongoing commitment to service and support, demonstrates the power of corporate social responsibility.
This partnership not only ensured the continuous operation of the Teesside Hospice’s critical in-patient care but also showcased the immense impact a single act of kindness can have on an entire community. In a world rife with uncertainties, Bellwood Rewinds stood as a beacon of reliability and compassion, embodying the spirit of customer success and corporate citizenship.
As the generator continues to stand ready to protect the hospice and its patients, it serves as a symbol of resilience and unwavering support in the face of adversity. Bellwood Rewinds, with their dedication to the Teesside Hospice, has not only empowered an essential institution but also touched the lives of countless individuals who depend on its services. This is a story of hope, generosity, and the incredible power of community coming together to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.