Writing in his most recent IHEEM President’s ‘blog’ (viewable at: www.iheempresident.wordpress.com), IHEEM’s President, Greg Markham (who recently took up a new role as technical director, EMCOR Facilities Services), says: “I’ve just returned from Bern, where I attended the IFHE Europe Council Meeting and European Congress hosted by IHS (the Institute of Hospital Engineers Switzerland).
“The venue for the 5th IFHE European Conference was the city’s Kursaal (pictured). The event took place from 10-12 April 2013, preceded by the IFHE European Council Meeting on 9 April, my first experience of this group, at which, speaking on IHEEM’s behalf, my Institute colleagues and I outlined our intention to bid for the 2018 International Congress, and gain support from our colleagues in Europe. I am pleased to report that there was positive support and comment on our intended bid, and several Committee Members have offered their support for it. “The Council Meeting was followed by a three-day Congress hosted by IHS Switzerland, with a varied and very informative programme, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the City of Bern. The organising team did a fantastic job, and all sessions were covered by interpreters for English, French, and German, using headsets, which enhanced the experience, and allowed all the delegates to participate fully. Despite our differing healthcare delivery models, differing cultures, and different challenges in the workplace, the three key headings identified across Europe were:
• Sustainability.
• Energy (and the associated everincreasing costs).
• Crisis management.
“Given the above, it would seem our differences are not that great? Our European colleagues are struggling with similar issues – falling budgets, with ever-increasing demands and pressures, an ageing population, and a burgeoning healthcare bill, and energy inflation of around 20% over the past five years. “Many of the presentations focused on knowledge sharing and opportunities to learn from others in dealing with these key areas. While it may not be possible to directly replicate the initiatives, the principles outlined still hold true in any healthcare facility, and I think there is much to learn and to share with our friends from across Europe. “The next IFHE Europe Congress will be held in Turku, Finland, in 2015, and I would encourage you all to consider attending, and gaining much-needed inspiration to tackle our common challenges.”
