Celebrating National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day: The Faces Behind the NHSPS’ Biggest Heat Pump
On this National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Management Day, NHS Property Services (NHSPS) proudly shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes who keep our hospitals running efficiently and sustainably. At the heart of this celebration is Tony Gatfield, Technical Services Supervisor, who leads a dedicated team of six in managing one of the largest hospitals in the NHSPS portfolio. Royal South Hants is primarily managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB).
With over 21 years of service in the NHS, Tony brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and leadership to his role. Based in a hospital that serves a diverse community, Tony oversees all aspects of the estate’s operations (from critical infrastructure to day-to-day maintenance) ensuring that patients and staff have a safe, functional, and welcoming environment.
“People around the world look at the NHS and think, ‘Wow, I wish we had that.’ And they’re not wrong.” He said. “It’s something we should all be proud of. I know I am. Every day, I see the difference we make, and it reminds me why this work matters so much.”
Tony and his team are also the driving force behind the NHSPS’ largest heat pump installation, a landmark project in the organization’s journey toward net zero. This state-of-the-art system is not only a testament to engineering excellence but also a symbol of NHSPS’ commitment to sustainability.
Tim Johns, Maintenance Technician – Electrical at NHSPS, said: “It’s the people and the patients who use the hospital that inspire me to come to work every day. They’re the heart of the hospital. Whether I’m fixing something small or working on a big project, it feels good knowing we’re making a real difference. That’s what keeps me going and proud to be part of the team.”
Steve Wheeler, Maintenance Assistant at NHSPS, said: “I love serving the community I live in. It means a lot to know that the work I do is making life a bit better for my neighbours, friends, and family. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Heat pumps are a cornerstone of NSHPS’ major decarbonisation project at RSH. The works include the installation of four Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), three Water-to-Water Heat Pumps, new triple-glazed windows, cavity wall insulation, insulated panels above windows, and solar panels across the roof elevations. This initiative represents the largest carbon reduction effort in an NHSPS building to date, with an estimated anticipated saving of 500 tonnes of carbon in the first year alone.
Today, we celebrate Tony and his team, not just for their technical expertise, but for their unwavering dedication to keeping the NHS running behind the scenes. Their work ensures that healthcare spaces are not only operational but also sustainable, safe, and fit for the future.
The National Healthcare Estates & Facilities Day is an annual celebration that recognizes the essential work done by our NHS colleagues and their value to patients. It takes place on the third Wednesday of June each year.
