RECENT NEWS

Thanks to the medical skill of Northumbria Healthcare Trust, and the expertise of theatre communications specialists OR Networks, surgeons in Tanzania can now perform laparoscopic surgery with the advice and support of UK counterparts.

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) says its latest DVD release provides essential fire awareness training suitable for all staff in healthcare premises, from those working in wards, to specialist units and clinics.

Two public hospitals in Argentina’s second largest city, Cordoba, are to each receive seven Berchtold Operon B 710 operating tables and two trauma extension units.

The Altrax Group has acquired Scantrack Healthcare Systems (UK), a supplier of electronic instrument management and traceability systems to the healthcare market, in a move Altrax said would “secure and enhance” Scantrack’s future development.

Brandon Medical, the Leeds-based operating theatre light and medical audio-visual systems supplier, is among 53 regional finalists from across the UK competing to win a share of the £90 million prize being offered by the HSBC “Business Thinking Initiative”.

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and the Facilities Management Association (FMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which they say will help both organisations provide enhanced services to their members, and “raise the profile of facilities management, through cooperation and collaboration”.

Howorth Air Technology has won a major service and validation contract with private healthcare specialist Spire Healthcare, covering all Spire’s ultraclean and general operating theatres, and including microbiological testing in the general theatres.

IHEEM’s Hong Kong branch has recently seen 23 new members join. To mark this “unprecedented” influx, senior branch personnel, including Committee members,

Joining the Institute recently as a new member is Syed Naseeruddin (pictured), who has over 30 years’ experience in the design and construction management of healthcare facilities, institutional and commercial buildings, and power projects.

Following its successful participation in “The Big Bang Young Scientists’ & Engineers’ Fair” at Manchester Central in March (HEJ – February, March, April and May 2010), IHEEM has announced its support for next year’s event, to be held at the ICC London ExCel on 10-12 March 2011.

If you have not been to Healthcare Estates recently, or indeed ever, you may not realise what you have been missing. The event has grown substantially over recent years, and is now the largest dedicated event focused on health estates and facilities management in Europe.

At this month’s Healthcare Estates 2010 event (see also pages 6 and 7 of this issue) the Institute will launch its new website, and provide visitors to the IHEEM stand with an opportunity to see the new site in action.

Intuitive way-finding principles, courtyards that allow patients and visitors clear views over the whole site, diagnostic and treatment facilities on the ground floor, and modern materials described as sympathetic to both the existing listed buildings on the site, and to the rural setting, are all key features of the new £16.5 million Braintree Community Hospital in Essex.

IHEEM is at heart a professional development organisation, dedicated to providing opportunities for members and non-members alike to maintain and update their knowledge.

NHS Supply Chain has launched a leasing contract to help NHS Trusts access the latest technology “at a time when capital budgets are constrained”. Trusts will be able to compare and contrast deals from 20 leasing companies.

Delegates at a recent seminar organised by the charity PhoneAbility at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in London called for a “national coherent plan” for fully integrated systems and services which meet the needs of disabled and older people.

Tynetec, a leading UK supplier of telecare and remote health equipment, has bought the Aid Call Healthcare division, for an undisclosed sum. Aid Call Ltd, which is wholly owned by Age Concern Enterprises, says it wishes to focus fully on the further development of its “core personal care products”.

How control systems can ensure renewables “deliver on their promises” – both in terms of carbon savings and financial payback; getting the best from existing HVAC infrastructure,

A 10,000 m2 boulevard that will link each part of the hospital complex, providing direct, easy access to all the site’s facilities, has been officially unveiled two weeks ahead of schedule as the final stage of the £500 million Central Manchester University Hospitals complex.

A new £19.5 million Hartlepool healthcare facility features three attractive floor finishes from commercial vinyl manufacturer Polyflor’s Expona Design luxury vinyl tile collection.