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Supporting safer healthcare environments through specialised ventilation solutions
Working alongside Watts & Hughes, Fluid Engineering, and project stakeholders, Systemair helped deliver specialised ventilation solutions for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, supporting improved healthcare environments for patients, families, and staff.
Rotorua Hospital Childrens ward, New Zealand
Delivering specialised solutions for pressurised healthcare environments
The project incorporated ventilation systems designed to support negative pressure isolation rooms, positive pressure rooms, and enhanced air change requirements.
Providing solutions for challenging environmental conditions
Products were carefully selected to withstand Rotorua’s H₂S-influenced geothermal environment while maintaining long-term operational reliability.
Supporting value engineering and fast-track delivery
Close collaboration with contractors, consultants, and stakeholders helped meet strict project timelines, technical requirements, and budget objectives.
Supporting upgraded healthcare infrastructure for the Lakes region
Systemair ventilation solutions contributed to the redevelopment of critical women, child, and family healthcare facilities at Rotorua Hospital.
Modernising Critical Healthcare Facilities
The refurbishment of the Rotorua Hospital Children’s Unit formed part of a wider NZD $6 million redevelopment programme upgrading women, child, and family healthcare facilities across the hospital campus.
The project included upgrades to the Birthing Unit, Perinatal Unit, and Children’s Unit, all originally constructed during the 1960s. The redevelopment aimed to modernise healthcare infrastructure while improving patient care, infection control, operational efficiency, and staff wellbeing.
Completed in October 2024, the upgraded facilities were designed to provide safer, more comfortable, and more functional healthcare environments for patients, families, and healthcare professionals throughout the Lakes region.
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Designed Around Patient Safety and Infection Control
A key focus of the redevelopment was improving clinical safety standards through enhanced ventilation and pressurisation systems.
The upgraded Children’s Unit incorporated state-of-the-art negative pressure isolation rooms alongside positive pressure rooms and enhanced air change systems designed to create safer treatment environments and improve infection control outcomes.
The redevelopment also introduced upgraded staff facilities, redesigned office and storage areas, and improved patient privacy provisions, helping support both healthcare delivery and overall patient experience.
For families and whānau, the upgraded spaces were designed to provide a more comfortable and supportive environment during what is often a stressful and emotional time.
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Ventilation Solutions for Critical Healthcare Environments
Working alongside Watts & Hughes, Fluid Engineering, J2 Consultants, and Lakes District Health Board stakeholders, Systemair contributed ventilation solutions specifically selected to support the project’s demanding healthcare requirements.
The supplied systems were designed to comply with outside air requirements for pressurised isolation rooms, as well as extract air systems serving isolation rooms, toilets, and general exhaust applications.
Products supplied for the project included Systemair Germany TFSR125M and TFSR160 fans, alongside Systemair New Zealand SMF150, SMF200, ICQ560-VEE, and ICQ315-VEE units.
The selected solutions were chosen for their ability to deliver reliable airflow performance, operational efficiency, and compliance with healthcare ventilation requirements while supporting the project’s broader operational and environmental objectives.
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Overcoming Environmental and Project Challenges
Due to Rotorua’s geothermal conditions, one of the project’s key technical considerations involved ensuring all selected products could withstand exposure to hydrogen sulphide (H₂S)-influenced environmental conditions while maintaining long-term durability and performance.
In addition to environmental considerations, the project also required careful value engineering and close coordination to meet strict programme timelines and budget requirements.
Systemair worked closely with consultants and project stakeholders throughout the approval process to validate product selections and ensure compliance with the project’s technical and operational requirements.
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Delivering Through Trusted Collaboration
The success of the project was built on strong collaboration between contractors, consultants, suppliers, and healthcare stakeholders throughout the redevelopment process.
Working closely with project teams, Systemair supported the delivery of practical and reliable ventilation solutions tailored to the specialised demands of healthcare environments.
We choose to use Steve & the team at Systemair on this project as they are a trusted supplier to MEC Heat Pumps. The technical support and quality products are a testament to our projects.
General Manager, Mec Heatpumps
For more information on Systemair's projects and solutions in New Zealand, explore our full New Zealand portfolio here.