Bill Pym, IHEEM’s chief executive, is retiring, and a party, attended by many Institute past and present officers and members, was recently held for him – his departure from IHEEM is expected to be shortly after this year’s Healthcare Estates Conference and Exhibition at Harrogate in November.
Then followed a succession of submarine appointments serving in all types of boat (conventional, nuclear and Polaris), moving between bases in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Scotland. This sea service was interrupted by specialist training as a Navigating Officer and nuclear submarine qualification. In 1978, after successfully passing the ‘Perisher’ course, Bill Pym took command of his first submarine. This was the start of a very long and successful career as a Submariner.
He quickly climbed through the ranks, reaching Commander in 1986. Following this appointment, he was selected to take command of a nuclear attack submarine, which took him to Bermuda, the Bahamas, the east coast of Africa and the Mediterranean before returning to the UK. It was in the early 1990s that Bill Pym decided to leave the Navy and seek pastures new. In 1993, now a civilian, he was employed by the Hydrographic Office to write technical manuals used by mariners for their safe passage at sea. It was during this employment that Bill Pym answered a recruitment advertisement for Secretary of the Institute of Hospital Engineers. He was successful, and began this new but challenging role in 1995.
His first significant task was to oversee the name change of the Institute. This was a lengthy process and received mixed views from members. However, despite the negative responses the organisation became the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management in 1996.
Since then, Bill Pym has been at the centre of IHEEM’s development and growth. The conference has grown to be one of the most successful healthcare events of the year, with over 650 delegates expected for 2006. He has worked closely with the committees involved and has contributed to the development of this event.
This is not the only success story – the seminar programme has seen a dramatic increase in delegate numbers, with the content being praised by all.
Membership numbers have soared in recent years, following the appointment by Bill Pym, whose title changed to chief executive, of a recruitment manager. Additionally, Bill Pym has been at the forefront of securing for the institute stronger working relationships with the Department of Health, HeFMA, Architects for Health, and other organisations. The recent leaving party was a complete surprise for Bill Pym – and much enjoyed by him.
Non-members as well as members had taken valuable time out of their jobs to show their appreciation to a man who has been at the forefront of IHEEM’s development for over a decade. Presentations were given by Phil Nedin, president of IHEEM; Richard Boyce, chairman of Executive Committee; David Whitely, Department of Health; Richard Nugent of behalf of NHS Healthcare Facilities Scotland; Nigel Keery, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Branch; Robert Spencer on behalf of the Scotland Branch, and the staff at Head Office.
Phil Nedin presented Bill Pym with a watch on behalf of the IHEEM members. Other gifts were received, including a decanter, a rose bowl, a Celtic dish and several bottles of whisky. Bill Pym was also presented with a book with letters and memos from members of IHEEM, many of which expressing gratitude for his on-going support, hard work and dedication. He is retiring to Saltash, near Plymouth, where he and his wife, Sue, moved in April this year. His time will be spent between his family, home improvements and, of course, his first love, sailing.
