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RECENT NEWS

Sodexo extends partnership with Royal Stoke and Haywood

Sodexo Health & Care has reinforced its long-standing relationship with the Royal Stoke University Hospital (RSUH), part of the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) and Haywood Hospital, part of the wider Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT).

Building engineers set to influence health and wellbeing more than medicine and social care, speaker claims

A leading respiratory illness expert has claimed that facilities management and building services engineering will have a greater influence on worldwide human health and wellbeing than the medical and social care professions.

Hats off to UCL’s theatre team

University College Hospital in London is making the change from single-use to named reusable fabric theatre hats for staff working in operating theatres in a move funded by UCLH Charity and approved by the UCLH Infection Prevention and Control Team.

Framework will help NHS organisations procure solutions ‘at pace’

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has unveiled a new online portal to make it quicker and easier to access its portfolio of framework agreements when contracting authorities want to buy goods or services.

KCL Gene Therapy Vector Facility completed

A highly advanced new Gene Therapy Vector Facility (GTVF) has been completed at King’s College London’s specialist medical research facility, The Rayne Institute, which will support the development of new genetic treatments.

Government funding gives ‘massive boost’ to region’s new ‘healthtech innovation hub’

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, and Leeds City Councillor, Helen Hayden, have visited Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ Old Medical School to give their support to the ‘flagship project’ of the £180 million West Yorkshire Healthtech and Digital Technology zone.

Increase in hospital fires highlights compliant fire doors’ importance

With ERIC 2022/2023 data highlighting an 18 per cent rise in fires recorded by NHS Trusts across England in 2022/23 – to 1,372 – equating to almost four fires a day across the NHS, Assa Abloy Opening Solutions UK & Ireland is emphasising ‘the utmost importance’ of correct fire door specification, installation, and ongoing maintenance with inspections.

Solar farm the size of three football pitches to operational this month

A solar farm which will power Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital for three quarters of the year is set to be up and running this spring.

D&L Medical marks 30 years in the medical gas sector

Describing itself as ‘a cornerstone of medical gas support in the UK and Europe’, D&L Medical – which has just celebrated 30 years in the sector – says it has consistently delivered professional, accredited services to hospitals and clinics, ‘ensuring the seamless operation of vital gas pipeline systems’.

Another construction milestone celebrated

Tilbury Douglas has celebrated another ‘construction milestone’ to enhance emergency and urgent care for patients at Stepping Hill Hospital with the handover of phase two, the temporary Majors Department at the hospital, which will eventually become the Same Day Emergency Care Centre.

Tributes paid to Rob Lambert’s ‘immense’ contribution to the industry

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has paid tribute to Skanska UK Technical operations lead, Rob Lambert, who died recently, describing his contribution to the industry as ‘immense’ – ‘ thanks to his generosity of spirit and willingness to share his experience and technical knowledge’.

Europe’s first’ solar car park ‘with carbon-friendly construction’

3ti, a leading UK designer, installer, funder, and operator of solar car parks (SCPs) is installing what is reportedly the first large-scale SCP in Europe to be constructed from sustainable Glulam timber beams and Glass-Glass solar panels.

Topping-out for £23 m health centre in Chiswick

Over 30 people attended a recent topping-out to get a glimpse of the Chiswick Health Centre in London, which is currently under construction, at a recent topping-out ceremony.

COVER STORY: Paving the way for digitising healthcare fire system testing and maintenance

Fire systems require testing, inspection, and maintenance to ensure that they continue to work well for the building. As part of the testing process, smoke detectors must be functionally tested and inspected annually.

Steam boiler operator ‘skills gap’ addressed

Having met for the first time in 2017 at IHEEM’s conference events, 2024 is the year that will officially see PPL Training and Fulton join forces to deliver Steam Boiler Operator training to the UK’s healthcare estates professionals.

Villeroy & Boch set to become one of Europe’s largest bathroom product manufacturers

Villeroy & Boch has completed its acquisition of all operating companies of the Ideal Standard Group, with the latter to be integrated as a separate part of the Villeroy & Boch Group now that all necessary approvals by anti-trust authorities have been received.

Fulbourn Medical and Brandon Medical forge alliance

Brandon Group has acquired Fulbourn Medical, marking a significant milestone in both companies’ histories. Fulbourn Medical now joins Brandon Medical Company as a sister company, strengthening its collective services and product offerings. The collaboration between Brandon Medical and Fulbourn Medical enhances geographical coverage, with service teams now strategically positioned nationwide. Brandon said: “This integration ensures shorter response times and a reduced carbon footprint, underscoring the companies’ commitment to sustainability.”

Offsite building manufacturer reports growing demand from several sectors

Northern Ireland-based offsite manufacturer, McAvoy, continues to invest strongly in the growth of its SmartSpace temporary building fleet in response to growing demand across the healthcare, pharma, education, and commercial sectors.

Making more informed decisions on suspension systems

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published technical guidance designed to help contractors make more informed decisions when selecting suspension systems for building services.

Bath Trust cuts carbon footprint with anaesthetic gas switch

The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has cut 2% of its carbon emissions by switching to using portable gas canisters, reducing its N2O usage from two million litres to 13,500 litres a year.

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Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

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