IHEEM’s Conference Committee is currently assessing the papers that have recently been submitted for this year’s Healthcare Estates conference, which takes place at Manchester Central from 1-2 November, with the final programme expected to be announced next month.
2011 is a key year in the development of healthcare facilities as they look to optimise use of, in some cases, shrinking budgets, while continuing to build upon the improvements made in patient care in recent years. While the longer-term impact that the proposals contained in the Government’s Health and Social Care Bill will have on the healthcare estate is hard to predict, healthcare facilities will undoubtedly need to become even more efficient, effective, and patient-centric, while tight carbon reduction targets will make energy saving and sustainability ever more important. Reflecting this focus, this year’s event will incorporate a “Sustainability and Energy” feature, supported by the BRE, the SHINE Network, and the Sustainable Development Foundation, combining an advice clinic manned by industry experts, with a range of open presentations addressing the “green” issues facing estates and facilities teams. Planned papers are expected to include:
• Next Generation BREEAM – How this can assist you to achieve your sustainability objectives? – BRE.
• Renewable energy – Maximising the potential of your estate partner (case study).
• Financing sustainable outcomes – BRE.
• Using building design to mitigate the future impact of climate changes – BRE + partner.
• Sustainable planning for the healthcare estate (case study) – Sustainable Development Foundation and the SHINE Network.
• How BRE can assist you to improve sustainability through evidence-based Design – BRE.
Staff safety and wellbeing is paramount in creating effective and efficient working environments. In response, Healthcare Estates is working with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to create a content-driven feature specifically addressing health and safety issues from a healthcare perspective. Other key topics covered in the conference presentations will include: facilities management; new technology and developments, and nursing home and community care environments.
The exhibition
Due to the success of last year’s event following the positive response to the move to Manchester, over 100 companies have already booked their exhibition stand. This level of support means delegates will have access to the widest and most complete marketplace of products, services, and solutions, targeted at the healthcare estate under one roof. For more information on this year’s conference, visit: www.iheem.org.uk or T: 023 9282 3186. Potential exhibitors should call the Healthcare Estates exhibition team on 01892 518877 to discuss their requirements.
