RECENT NEWS

A series of five large circular Ritchlight TL17 framed dome rooflights have been installed to brighten the interior of the Knowledge Spa at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro. Manufactured and installed by Brett Martin Daylight Systems, these 3 m diameter triple skin rooflights are glazed with solid clear polycarbonate and provide natural daylight to all three floor levels of the building’s central atrium area.

At the end of 2005, the ITAL TBS Group completed the acquisition of the Surgitech Group from Cardinal. The Surgitech Group includes three companies: Surgical Technologies BV (NL), STI Deutschland GmbH (DE), which will be incorporated into TBS DE, and Surgitech Europe – Surgitech Italy Division.

Hospital Metalcraft has introduced a new hospital portering chair with adaptable features including “dual auto brakes”. The brakes automatically restrict the rear wheels when the handle on the push bar is released, which when combined with the front steer capability gives the ultimate in chair control.

JS Humidifiers has launched the Armstrong Live Steam humidifier, an extremely high specification unit offered at a competitive price. Features include a high running pressure of up to 4 bar, massive output capacity, lower installation costs and very quiet, super-dry steam delivery.

Following many years of designing and producing air handling units for food and cleanroom applications, Thermal Technology has now used this experience to develop a purpose designed range of air handling units for hospitals and other healthcare buildings.

Specialist medical lighting manufacturer Brandon Medical is claiming two “world firsts” with the introduction of operating theatre lights that combat MRSA and other “superbugs” and a telemedicam video system that can be built into theatre lights or used as a standalone facility.

Research by the Engineering Council UK has revealed that 30% of employers surveyed found it difficult to verify the CVs of applicants for engineering and technical posts.

Efficient use of energy, care for the environment and working in a sustainable way are becoming increasingly important, and IHEEM is staging a series of seminars looking at these areas. Particular focus will be on sustainability issues.

The Institute has significantly enhanced its website: www.iheem.org.uk

The Rt Hon Jane Kennedy MP, Minister of State for Delivery and Quality at the Department of Health, has accepted an invitation to give the keynote address at this year’s Healthcare Estates conference in Harrogate.

Thermal Transfer, a subsidiary of Scottish and Southern Energy, is holding a free one day seminar on Tuesday 28 March 2006 at the Thackray Medical Museum, adjacent to St James’s Hospital in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Howorth Airtech has announced the completion of its first turnkey project with The London Clinic – the design and construction of a cutting-edge operating theatre, purpose-built to accommodate robotic surgery.

While renewing and refurbishing its coal fired Energy Centre, Doncaster Royal Infirmary has installed three prefabricated and temporary burner/boiler units to maintain the hospital’s supply of heat and steam during the re-build programme.

Health PFI specialist Ryhurst in partnership with Barclays Capital, has recently completed and handed over state-of-the-art facilities at Blackberry Hill Hospital in Bristol to the Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. The handover follows the completion of the first of 14 facilities on six sites, forming a £64.5 million PFI project known as the Avon Project, the UK’s largest mental health PFI to date.

Sheppard Robson’s exemplar design for a new £75 million surgical centre for Taunton & Somerset NHS Trust has received outline planning consent. The design will act as the Public Sector Comparator and will form the basis of the tender invitation documents for the PFI procurement process.

The new Sheppard Robson designed landmark Birmingham Treatment Centre, which was officially opened at the end of 2005, incorporates a new approach to hospital design and assists in the regeneration and improvement of the surrounding urban environment. The new facility is said to represent a step change in the provision of treatment centres.

Contractor Osborne is overseeing the construction of a new radiation unit at the Mount Vernon Cancer Treatment Centre in Northwood, Middlesex (as first reported in HEJ Aug 05, p13). The company’s involvement has greatly developed since its original contract began with the NHS Trust. While carrying out the enabling works package, it was invited to tender for the foundations, which were later awarded. This then led to Osborne managing the installation of the new pods, cladding and procurement of the roof structure.

Edenbrook, one of the UK’s fastest growing independent technology companies, has announced the signing of a two year contract with BUPA worth over £5 million to develop new systems to support its membership business.

IHEEM member Steve Shutler has formed part of a team which has purchased licensed asbestos contracting company Burton Environmental Services (BES). The other two new owners are existing directors Martin Drury and Ron Cowen.

The Concrete Society has further strengthened its position by completing the acquisition of information and library service Concrete Information Limited (CIL).