Sector’s biggest event just days away

Delegates attending the IHEEM Annual Conference (potential delegates can book a place online or by telephone until 9 October) can look forward to industry experts discussing the latest new ideas, best practice and issues affecting all those involved in creating and maintaining healthcare establishments, while exhibition visitors will have access to the UK’s largest gathering this year of manufacturers and suppliers of products specifically designed for the health estates sector. The exhibition will also offer two major display features aimed at stimulating thought and increasing knowledge:

• Free presentations and advice on carbon reduction and energy efficiency, procurement tools and design from The Sustainability Centre.
• The Simulation Rooms – where attendees can assess full-scale representations of current designs of single and multi-bedded wards, and view some of the latest products and solutions “in simulation, not isolation”. Delegates will also be able to obtain information and detailed product briefings direct from manufacturers and suppliers by attending one, or all, of the “Healthcare Showcase” presentations.

This year’s conference

The theme of this year’s IHEEM Annual Conference, “Clean, safe and sustainable environments for care”, will be mirrored in the key headline titles for the conference “break-out” sessions – Design and Construction, Healthcare Planning, Sustainability, Infection Control/Safe Environment, Energy, and Fire and Safety. Over 40 expert speakers will provide the opportunity to discover new ideas and thinking in specific fields, and develop knowledge and understanding from which to make informed strategic decisions. There is still time to book a conference place; either register online until 9 October at www.iheem.org.uk or via telephone 023 9282 3186. Alternatively register at the event itself.

Thousands of products under one roof

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to evaluate products and services from over 160 exhibitors, with a number launching new products both on their stands and in the Simulation Rooms. Exhibition attendance is free. Those wishing to attend can either register on site, or online, by visiting www.healthcare-estates.com.

Simulation Rooms

The Simulation Rooms, the biggest feature in this year’s exhibition, will address the “Single Bedded Ward Versus Multiple Bedded Wards” debate, with opposing views on which is “the better option” presented both via a lively “Late Debate” within the conference (led by industry “heavyweights” IHEEM past president Phil Nedin and Richard Mazuch of architects Nightingale Associates) and via a true simulation of a four-bed ward, and two different types of single-bed ward. Richard Mazuch will also host a “design clinic” throughout the two-day event, giving health estates personnel the opportunity to discuss architectural/design issues related to their particular healthcare facility.

Sustainability Centre

Sustainability, carbon reduction and increasing energy costs continue to present a significant challenge to all those involved in creating and maintaining healthcare facilities. At the Sustainability Centre experts on “green issues” from leading industry organisations will offer help on making healthcare buildings more energy-efficient.

Supported by leading associations and groups, the Sustainability Centre will offer delegates the chance to discuss their particular issues, targets and goals with representatives from RIBA, BRE, DH Estates and Facilities Division, The Carbon Trust, and NHS PASA.

New for this year, open presentations will address the challenges directly affecting healthcare establishments, providing the latest in information and guidance to help delegates formulate their strategy and achieve key sustainability targets.