Assessment of the Impact of Natural Ventilation in the Renovated Katsina General Hospital, Katsina State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The increasing cases of accidents, ailments, epidemics, pandemics (such as the most recent novel Corona virus) and growing population causes overcrowding and air stagnation. Low air velocity, dampness and high thermal discomfort in the interior of the hospitals causing series of deteriorations. These problems compelled the Katsina State Government to embark on general renovation and expansion of General Hospital Katsina adding more facilities to support the growing health needs of its citizens. The study aims to assess the impact of the renovation of the General Hospital Katsina which commenced late 2016 and completed in 2018 on natural ventilation considering the climate of the region. This study takes qualitative approach using physical measurement of temperature and air velocity before and after the successful renovation exercise. Data were collected from the study area. Comparison of indoor air velocity and air temperature as indicators of natural ventilation was done and air velocity increases to 0.06 m/s while temperature dropped with 1⁰C which enhance thermal comfort. It is highly recommended that professionals should look into natural ventilation during design of hospitals.

Keywords: air temperature, air velocity, natural ventilation, Katsina General Hospital