IFHE Congress in Cape Town reviewed

The event was supported by all IFHE members including IHEEM. Some 350 delegates representing over 30 countries from all parts of the world were provided with a varied three-day programme of presentations and a trade exhibition of 54 stands. The Congress was hosted and organised by the South African Federation of Hospital Engineering (SAFHE).

IFHE is a non-profit, non-governmental body established in 1970 to enable national healthcare engineering professional organisations to join in a worldwide federation. Its purpose is to encourage and facilitate exchange of information and experience in the broad field of healthcare facility design, construction, engineering, commissioning, maintenance and estate management.

Membership of IFHE has spread over 30 countries, embracing some 10,000 persons. It also admits as members government institutions, consultants, commercial and industrial firms as well as individuals or small groups. It is recognised by the World Health Organisation in Geneva as an official representative body in its field.

The venue for the 19th Congress was a large, newly built conference and exhibition centre, near the waterfront and with views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. The opening ceremony was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Health for South Africa and the keynote address was given by Clem Sunter the renowned international author and government advisor.

The programme of speakers was varied, covering the international aspects of healthcare technology. Particular emphasis was placed on the problems found in developing countries in Africa and throughout the world.

The 53 papers presented covered the four main streams of engineering and environment, planning and design, management organisation, and safety. There was also a series of technical visits to hospitals and health centres showing innovation in building and engineering from the most basic to the most sophisticated. It was of great value to delegates to view the continuing development of the Groote Schurr Hospital where Dr Christian Barnard performed the first human heart transplant.

Steve Drinkrow, IFHE president, was able to visit the IHEEM conference in Harrogate in November 2006 when he met many of the delegates in person and was able to speak briefly at the Gala Dinner.

The 20th IFHE Congress will be held in Barcelona, Spain during 2008 – look out for further information in Health Estate Journal.