RECENT NEWS

As the estates management needs of Trusts change and develop, the role of the helpdesk and management system within estates departments grows ever more vital. And a single system capable of covering multiple services (for example portering, gardening and catering) in addition to estates defect works and planned maintenance is often desirable. According to Bob Harse, development director at system supplier Gramms, using the latest technology can help the modern estates department maximise productivity.

To help builders, contractors and specifiers ensure that all commercial and public buildings satisfy the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Building Regulations Pt.M:2004, Reading-based Kee Klamp has introduced a new range of galvanised iron fittings.

A new air filter that is said to be unique due to a “memory” and self-supporting media, has been launched by Northumberland-based manufacturer AAF Air Filters.

A completely revised edition of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) guide to natural ventilation in buildings is now available. The publication brings together the latest guidance and research on the subject and provides an expert guide as to how natural ventilation can best be incorporated into buildings. Aimed mainly at building services engineers and designers, the guide will also be useful to facilities and building managers who want background information on the subject.

Altro Imprint safety flooring offers stunning design elements without forcing any compromise on practical features. Imprint is perfect for use in general circulation and front of house areas where aesthetic qualities are as highly sought after as underfoot safety.

Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust in London has deployed the Proofpoint Messaging Security Gateway appliance to eliminate spam across its 5,500 email users. As a result of deploying the Proofpoint appliance, employees are now protected from unsolicited and offensive spam messages and Hammersmith has a reliable, flexible solution in place as future messaging security threats arise. The Proofpoint appliance was purchased through London-based channel partner Data Integration, which provided installation and technical support for this deployment.

For his article titled ‘Questioning oxygen flow rate guidance’, published in the August 2004 issue of Health Estate Journal, Stuart Ward of Guangdong Province, China, has been awarded the Northcroft Silver Medal.

Emerson Network Power has extended its Himod series of high performance air conditioners available under the Liebert Hiross brand with the introduction of Himod M. Designed for all environments requiring high dissipation of sensitive heat, the series will soon be completed with the introduction of Himod L. With cooling capacities between 25 and 80 kW, the Himod M is ideal for a range of applications including hospitals.

Advanced surface protection specialist, BioCote has entered a technology partnership to provide hygienic protection for specialist papers and boards manufactured by James Cropper Specialist Papers. These materials are suitable for the production of stationery, case notes, general literature and packaging, and will be of particular interest to companies supplying paper and board-based products for use in the medical and healthcare markets.

JS Air Curtains has launched a new air curtain that is ideal for hospitals and healthcare premises due to its attractive design and flexible control options. The Standesse air curtain enhances patient and staff comfort in the winter, whilst reducing heating bills by allowing a hospital to leave its doors invitingly open without letting valuable heat escape.

The Chemical Biological Radiation Nuclear (CBRN) Division of Union Industries has introduced a new specialised infection control system for hospitals. The IsoArk intensive care isolation tent and the BioSafe 300 air filtration unit have been introduced as portable retrofit solutions to deal with the care of patients with contagious diseases.

Catering staff at Hull Royal Infirmary have revamped the menus for the children’s wards in an effort to tackle the city’s increasing child obesity problem and encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables. Staff believe they are perfectly placed to plug the healthy eating message while youngsters are in hospital, and are essentially a captive audience.

SGB has acquired full ownership of its Mastclimbers joint venture partnership. The company acquired a majority shareholding in Mastclimbers in 2001, growing it from a regional base in Scotland into a national supplier serving the broader UK market. Today, Mastclimbers operates the UK’s largest fleet of rental platforms, with services that extend from project feasibility and design to site erection and dismantling.

By delivering natural daylight to all areas of a building, Monodraught SunPipes make a major contribution to the reduction of energy consumption in new build and refurbishment healthcare facilities.

An entertainment and communication terminal developed by Trident will allow hospital patients to keep in touch with friends and family, watch television or film channels and browse the web from their beds. The unit is designed for deployment under the NHS patient power project, whose aim is to provide a personal bedside TV and telephone service to every major hospital in the UK. Trident has partnered with Patient Power licence holder Premier Telesolutions to deliver a custom solution specifically for hospitals.

The Solo T3 thermostatic basin mixer from Sirrus fuses safety and style in a product that is approved to the NHS’ stringent TMV3 standards under the BuildCert scheme. This single level basin mixer will automatically control water outlet temperatures at the chosen level even when supply pressures and temperatures fluctuate.

Sourcing high quality heavy duty WC units has been simplified by stainless steel sanitaryware manufacturer W&G Sissons, with the launch of a product brochure featuring the company’s new Guardian and Centinel ranges.

Members of IHEEM’s London Branch were given recently a “double tour” of the Royal Albert Hall, London.

The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health has announced that Darryn Kerr, chief engineer at NHS Estates, has been awarded the 2005 John Edward Worth Silver Medal.

LAW Express has been providing telephone legal advice to members of IHEEM since September 2002. When members have had a problem, or something has caused stress or anxiety, the organisation has been at hand.