Harrogate highlights

Ask estate and facility managers what they most lack and the answer is generally “time”.

The complexities and demands of managing healthcare premises are increasing continuously and any systems that put the professionals in positions of greater control are welcomed.

So, at the Healthcare Estates Exhibition this year (Harrogate International Centre, 6 and 7 November) there will be much interest focused on computer software that assists with the running of estates. Consultancy services will be well represented, with experts available to discuss business case preparation, health service delivery planning, specialised technical advice, project management, cost control, equipping, sustainability, risk management, hospital commissioning and many other areas.

There is considerable concern in some areas over possible shortages of skills, and the stands at which training programmes are outlined and promoted should draw large numbers of visitors. One important area of training is that of energy management in the healthcare sector. It is evident that there will be considerable need in the future for environmental courses covering issues including “renewable technologies” and carbon trading.

Infection control

Infection control remains high on the agenda, and spotlit will be products that reduce the sort of infection risks that can be presented on touched surfaces. Ways of further reducing risks of cases of Legionnaire’s disease arising will also be to the fore.

The modular build approach to healthcare facility construction continues to be much discussed, and the benefits of off-site techniques are steadily being recognised more widely.

Off-site construction services will be showcased at the exhibition, and launched will be new design options. These options have the ability to take buildings created using off-site techniques to a new plane – curved façades, shaped atria and entrances with special features can be used to tremendous, positive effect.

The modular approach is well applied to temporary facilities as to premises designed with a long lifespan. Modularbuilt operating theatres, diagnostic imaging suites, decontamination facilities, laboratories and multi-purpose spaces can be used as interim premises when there is a need for expansion or when a refurbishment programme is underway. Requirements continue for ensuring that steam plant operations are run in the most efficient way and that operational costs are minimised as far as possible, and safety increased. At the exhibition, attention will be drawn to services to audit steam systems and find new ways to reduce energy consumption. Discussed will be routes to meeting the latest safety legislation.

Lighting in the healthcare environment will be comprehensively represented at the exhibition, with the latest theatre lighting, minor operation lamps, examination luminaries, illuminated magnifiers and over-bed luminaries shown. Notable is how light-emitting diode (LED) technology has been utilised for an operating theatre light unit.

Discussed at the event will be new standards and legislation pertaining to emergency lighting, fire detection and lightning protection.

Developments in bedhead trunking, hand-held controls for patients, and nurse call systems will be prominently displayed. In a variety of contexts, patients need to be protected from themselves, and the promotion of anti-ligature fittings will be important.

Synchronisation

Shown at the event will be GPS wireless time synchronisation for use in the healthcare environment. An accurate, synchronised and reliable time-keeping system is essential for the healthcare establishment. Advanced wireless time synchronisation can help reduce liability claims involving time issues – precisely timing sensitive medical treatments can be vital. Also, if an entire healthcare facility is synchronised, clinical staff are more able to remain on schedule with their workloads, delivering medical care with greater efficiency.

An equipment transfer and pendant docking system which facilitates an efficient, streamlined means of moving patients and their life support equipment from one area of a hospital to another will generate considerable interest – the precision with which specialised hospital accommodation has to be optimised could make such transfer and docking systems invaluable.