RECENT NEWS

The British Computer Society (BCS) says in a new report that current problems within the NHS’s IT Programme demonstrate the need to realign the system as a key enabler of business transformation.

Getinge Extended Care UK Limited has acquired, or received valid acceptances for, 95.8% of Huntleigh Technology PLC, and Huntleigh was de-listed from the London Stock Exchange on 1 February.

Varian Medical Systems has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire ACCEL Instruments, a privately-held supplier of proton therapy systems for cancer treatment and scientific research instruments.

The new Rowans Medical Records Centre at the Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford has been completed. The project required the construction of new access roads and the demolition of the old medical records storage building.

Cathedral Healthcare, the healthcare property developer, has announced the sale of nine primary facilities to Primary Health Properties PLC (PHP) for a total cash consideration of £39.225 million.

The acquisition of Bayer Healthcare’s diagnostic division by Siemens Medical Solutions has been completed. Bayer Diagnostics and Diagnostic Products Corporation (DPC), acquired in July 2006, were merged into a single business unit on 1 January 2007.

Solent Community Solutions has announced financial close of its third NHS LIFT development.

Leeds-based Oakapple Group has announced the formation of the First Oakapple Primary Care Partnership, which will receive financial backing from the MedicX Fund.

The new £70 million PFI extension wing at University Hospital Lewisham in London has been completed by builders Carillion and handed over to the hospital. The wing, called Riverside, is a distinctive ‘S’ shaped building adjacent to the existing hospital and the Ravensbourne River and was designed by international architect RTKL.

Health Minister Andy Burnham has announced £100 million funding to help the NHS make further energy savings. He made the pledge as he published a new energy performance report for the NHS in England, showing substantial progress against energy efficiency and carbon emission targets.

It is with great sadness that the East Midlands Branch of the Institute reports that Gordon F Pidcock died in November last year, aged 72.

The International Affairs Committee (IAC) of IHEEM is set up as a standing committee to handle all international perspectives of the Institute’s business.

Designed for aspiring directors and senior managers, the Development Centre Programme supports the national Facilities Management Workforce Strategy.

Due to a recent retirement, the Institute is looking for a member to join the Education Committee.

James Rees has been promoted to be IHEEM’s recruitment and membership manager following the departure of Tammy Simmons. He joined the Institute in June 2006 as membership officer and worked alongside Tammy Simmons.

The Healthcare Estates Conference 2007 will take place on the 16-17 October 2007 at the Harrogate International centre and IHEEM is now inviting potential speakers to submit papers for consideration.

Continuing to strengthen its expertise in the healthcare sector, Stokesley based architectural practice DKS Architects, has provided its services on a recently completed £3m scheme.

NHS Innovations London (NHSIL), the organisation responsible for intellectual property (IP) management within London NHS Trusts, has announced the appointment of James Cochrane as its new chairman and the election of five new board members.

Supply Direct has recently announced its new catering contract with the Kings Lynn NHS Trust. Won in a noncompetitive pitch, Supply Direct will work with the Trust on a one-year trial with an opportunity to extend the contract for an additional three years.

HLM Architects is responsible for the design of the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow, which has successfully reached financial close under the Government’s PFI procurement route for the provision of major new healthcare facilities in the city.