Papers needed for topical Healthcare Estates 2008

Organisers of the event, geared strongly towards key decision-makers on procurement of healthcare goods or services, are calling on those with valuable experience and ideas to share with colleagues to submit a paper for the IHEEM annual conference, which takes place alongside a wide-ranging exhibition, already over 50% sold out. Past papers have often developed into standard healthcare practice, confirming the conference as the most important annual gathering of its kind.

While the healthcare facilities market has changed dramatically over the past decade, with fundamental restructuring, major construction and redevelopment altering the whole structure of today’s facilities, the control and eradication of hospital-related infections, and delivery of effective, efficient and sustainable facilities, have put added pressure on those running them. Each year the Department of Health sets new goals and polices, so it is paramount the latest thinking in such areas is delivered to the market. Under the topic “Clean”, conference speakers will examine the key issues surrounding infection control, offering information and advice on how to tackle some of the common problems, while under the category “Safe”, they will identify the measures and procedures healthcare professionals must take to ensure an environment that is safe for both patients and staff.

The conference’s “Sustainable” stream, meanwhile, will highlight the key issues relating to healthcare facilities’ carbon footprint, examining areas including energy, transport, supplies, construction and waste.

Following a successful launch at last year’s event, a Sustainability feature will offer advice and recommendations on how best to maintain, and make healthcare facilities more cost-effective and efficient. A series of “simulation pods” will showcase the “best in design of specific healthcare environments” and the related products. These rooms will be designed by one of the leading architects in healthcare facility design and, the organisers promise, will showcase future thinking on the optimum patient environment. At the heart of this feature will be the debate on one versus fourbedroom ward environments.

Conference delegates should not miss out on an exhibition where an anticipated 150 companies will showcase thousands of different products and services.

Those with questions on submitting a paper or about the conference should contact the IHEEM event manager direct, on: 023 9282 3186 or email: office@iheem.org.uk

For more information on the exhibition visit www.stepex.com, telephone 01892 518877, or email: healthcare@stepex.com