Around a year ago, Hofors Municipality began the construction of Västerhöjden Care Home, which will be the first care home in Sweden to not only install an automated waste collection system for general waste but also implement Envac’s efficient automated soiled linen collection solution.
Västerhöjden Care Home in Hofors will include approximately 80 apartments through the new construction of two interconnected building blocks with three floors and a basement. The facility will also feature a café and square, activity rooms, administrative offices, and a large kitchen. Special consideration has been given to ensuring the comfort and well-being of both residents and staff.
What makes this project particularly innovative is the solution involving an automated waste collection system for both waste and laundry. This means two separate pipe systems will be installed to efficiently transport both residual waste and soiled laundry. By transporting soiled linen via a closed pipe system, the risk of infection spread is reduced and the handling becomes simpler for the staff. No soiled laundry will need to be transported through corridors or manually handled more than necessary.
The automated waste and soiled linen collection system has waste and laundry chutes in multiple locations throughout the building to make waste handling quick and easy, ensuring it does not accumulate in open areas. It also allows for complete isolation of departments in the event of infectious outbreaks such as norovirus, unlike traditional care homes and hospitals, where departments that should be fully isolated often share waste, environmental, and laundry rooms.
“The introduction of a combined waste and soiled linen collection system at Västerhöjden Care Home in Hofors is a major step towards smarter, safer, and more efficient healthcare environments. By reducing manual handling, minimising the risk of infection, and freeing up valuable space, we not only improve working conditions for staff but also enhance the quality of life for residents. This innovative solution sets a new standard for modern care homes in Sweden.”
said Magnus Sjöstrand, Healthcare Solutions Expert, Envac
The project planning phase began in January 2024, with construction starting in April the same year. The building is expected to be completed and handed over by April 2026. The total floor area is 11,611 m² (gross area).
In this video from Swedens Public Television, you can follow the first groundbreaking moments of the construction and hear from Tomas Fröjd, Chairman of the Social Welfare Committee in Hofors, who talks about the smart solutions that will make life easier for both residents and staff.
For more information, please contact:
Magnus Sjöstrand
Healthcare Solutions Expert, Envac