A MENTAL health unit in York has ditched its 60-year-old steam-powered cleaning equipment in favour of a bug-busting, eco-friendly laundry costing £100,000.

The new laundry at The Retreat, in Heslington Road, has been fitted with state-of-the-art chemical disinfection technology to reduce the risk of infections spreading.

The unit, which was founded by the Quakers more than 200 years ago, also hopes to use recycled rainwater, which will help to reduce water consumption at The Retreat - a not-for-profit organisation that works with the NHS to provide care for people with complex and difficult needs.

Facilities manager Martyn Ferguson said: "We have replaced our old 1940s washing machines and dryers with modern, extremely efficient equipment which, in addition to significantly improving the working conditions for the laundry staff, will produce a better quality product for our patients.

"The new laundry helps us towards a more cost-effective and healthier environment and because of the improvements in energy efficiency, we also have a rapid return on our investment.

"We wanted to retain this service in-house to offer a high-quality service to our patients and we are very proud of the new facilities."

Staff are currently investigating whether it will be possible to harvest, recycle and filter rainwater to be used in the laundry.

Tests are being carried out to see how much water is used to estimate the cost benefits of installing a recycling system.

Mr Ferguson said: "Collecting rainwater and reusing it is something we are looking at very closely as part of our commitment to becoming a greener organisation. The early indications are that this may be a good example of a green initiative having sound economic benefit."

The £100,000 investment was part of The Retreat's ongoing programme of improving patient services.

A new website, www.theretreatyork.org.uk, showcasing The Retreat is set to go live later this month.

Chief executive Jenny McAleese said: "We are extremely proud of our new corporate brand, which has not only updated our look, but has provided a clearer vision for The Retreat and The Tuke Centre."