By the time this issue of HEJ reaches them members should also have received, by post, an “IHEEM Awards 2011” booklet describing the current “stable” of five IHEEM annual Awards, Medals, and Prizes, outlining the background to, eligibility criteria for, and purpose of, each, and detailing the nomination and selection process for this year’s Awards, which will be presented at the annual IHEEM Conference in November.
Nominations for the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award, the John Bolton Memorial Award for Excellence in the Field of Education and Training, and the Lucas Scholarship Award for Significant Contribution to Branch Activities, must reach IHEEM by 30 June, and the booklet incorporates a nomination form. The booklet’s introduction says: “Recognition of public contribution to healthcare engineering and estate management, and excellence in achievement, is at the heart of the work of the Institute. The Institute has a number of outstanding engineers, estate managers and others in related disciplines whose achievements in professional healthcare practice have an impact on a regional and national scale. Awards and prizes given by IHEEM seek to recognise those achievements in honouring those individuals and promoting broader public appreciation. The President encourages all members to ensure that their fellow members who may merit recognition be nominated for the IHEEM awards, medals and prizes, as appropriate”. Brief details of the key eligibility criteria are as follows:
Lifetime Achievement Award
The IHEEM Lifetime Achievement Award goes to an IHEEM member who has given long service to the healthcare industry, and made a significant contribution to their specialist field. The winner receives a certificate and inscribed medal.
Eligibility criteria: The Award, which may be given posthumously, is for IHEEM members, but, “in exceptional circumstances”, may be made to a nonmember, and recognises an individual who has demonstrated “an exceptional contribution” to the field of engineering and healthcare estates.
The John Bolton Memorial Award for Excellence in the Field of Education and Training
This Award commemorates the life of John Bolton, IHEEM President from 1985-86.
Eligibility criteria: The Award is presented annually to either a member who has “excelled in education and training through their own personal development”, or who has “contributed greatly to the education and training of others”. This may include becoming a mentor, speaking at seminars and training events, or assisting with a training scheme/educational programme. In special circumstances, the Award may be made to a non-member. The winner receives a certificate and inscribed medal.
The Lucas Scholarship Award for Significant Contribution to Branch Activities
The Lucas Scholarship was created in the mid-1980s in recognition of Bernard Lucas’s (the IHEEM President from 1973-75) efforts for the Institute, and to encourage up to two young members to participate in events such as the Annual Conference at no cost to themselves.
Eligibility criteria: The Award is presented annually to two new branch officers or members who have been seen to “take an active interest” in the Institute – for instance volunteering to sit on branch and national committees or working groups, submitting an article to HEJ, or speaking at an IHEEM event. In “exceptional circumstances”, it may be presented to established members who have helped young members via mentoring. The winners each receive a certificate and complimentary pass for the Annual Conference.
The Northcroft Silver Medal for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Healthcare Engineering
Lionel G Northcroft was President of the Institute of Hospital Engineering from 1967 to 1969 and, throughout his career, encouraged engineers to promote and publish their work. The annual Northcroft Silver Medal is given to the author of the technical paper published in HEJ considered to have contributed most to the advancement of healthcare engineering. The winner receives a certificate and a silver medal.
Eligibility criteria: Open to Institute members. The paper must have been published in HEJ between August 2010 and June 2011, and not have appeared in any other publication. However, it may have been given at a branch meeting or an IHEEM Annual Conference.
The William E Schall Award for Excellence in Medical Technologies
This Award was established by the Society of X Ray Technology, which merged with IHEEM in 1990, and commemorates the life of William Ernest Schall, the Society’s first President. It is presented annually to a member or non-member who has undertaken the Foundation Degree Course in Medical Technologies. The winner receives a certificate and a cheque for £50, and will be encouraged to publish an article in HEJ based on their course work.
Eligibility criteria: A member or non-member who has made the best contribution while studying the Medical Technologies Foundation Degree course. The award assessment is based on a paper themed “Electrical Biomedical Medical Engineering”. All winners will also receive assistance with travel to, and accommodation at, the Annual Conference at Manchester Central, to receive their Award.
