A Partnership Built over Time
Girbau has partnered with The Royal Oldham Hospital for over seven years, developing a strong and trusted relationship along the way. What began as a supplier relationship has grown into a close collaboration, with Girbau supporting the team through changing demands, operational challenges, and long-term planning.
Facing the Challenge Together
As pressure on NHS services increased, the limitations of the existing laundry setup became more apparent. The equipment, while once fit for purpose, was no longer able to support the growing volume of work or the need for greater flexibility.
The team needed a solution that could handle large-scale NHS demand while still adapting to smaller external contracts, all without compromising on strict hygiene standards. At the same time, any investment had to remain within the financial constraints typical of NHS operations.
A Solution through Collaboration
Girbau began by taking a step back and assessing the full operation. Through a detailed on-site survey and close collaboration with the Oldham team, it became clear where improvements could be made—not just in the machinery itself, but in how the space and processes were being used.
The result was a fully tailored solution designed to modernise the entire laundry workflow. New, high-performance equipment was installed to increase capacity and reliability, while changes to layout and process helped streamline day-to-day operations. Every decision was made with both performance and practicality in mind, ensuring the solution worked not just on paper, but in the reality of a busy healthcare environment.
Efficient and Reliable
The impact of the upgrade was felt quickly. With a more efficient and reliable system in place, the team was able to handle increased demand with far greater confidence. Workflows became smoother, downtime was reduced, and hygiene standards were easier to maintain consistently.
Alongside these operational improvements, the hospital also achieved annual utility savings of £20,000—delivering a meaningful contribution to wider NHS efficiency and sustainability goals.
Looking to the Future
Today, Girbau continues to support The Royal Oldham Hospital with ongoing technical expertise, training, and strategic guidance. As demand continues to grow, the team can move forward with confidence, knowing their laundry operation is built to support both current needs and future challenges.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
Sustainability sits at the heart of the transformation. By improving efficiency and reducing energy and water consumption, the upgraded facility not only performs better, but also operates more responsibly. For the NHS, where both cost and environmental impact matter, this balance is essential.
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“It’s reassuring to have a UK-based team who understands our business and can act quickly when needed. Whether it’s engineer support, training, or just expert advice, they’re always there when we need them”
Graham Roberts
Estate and Facilities Commercial Service Manager