IHEEM and specialist healthcare training provider, Eastwood Park, announced at last month’s Healthcare Estates show the launch of a ‘new and refreshed’ Authorising Engineers’ development programme.
The Authorising Engineers’ (AE) assessment programme delivers an evaluation process through IHEEM for those wishing to register as a healthcare engineer. Having recently reviewed the current programme, IHEEM concluded that a more formal assessment process that takes into account competencies and knowledge was needed.
Eastwood Park is currently working closely with IHEEM to develop this, and to introduce the new AE programme during 2014. It is expected that the programme will also be extended eventually to include Authorised Persons.
IHEEM Chief Executive, Julian Amey, said: “We are confident that the revised process will be robust, yet straightforward. It should truly take into account both the competencies, and acknowledge the experience of all disciplines of AE. It is a fully supported programme, which is a key factor, and will be of real value to Authorising Engineers. Where there are areas of additional knowledge or skills required, recommendations will be made on training or mentoring support, which will be available from IHEEM, Eastwood Park, and other providers.”
Eastwood Park’s CEO, John Thatcher, added: “There will be a number of opportunities for continuous personal development as part of this exciting new initiative. It will create a fresh and invigorating approach to ensuring AEs are well provided with technical knowledge and the legal aspects of their new AE role.
"The AP/AE development programme will be rolled out for Authorising Engineers working in the decontamination discipline first and then, it is anticipated, it will follow across all other disciplines, moving thereafter to Authorised Persons."
