An increase in high-level Department of Health and Government representation, ‘more distinct and stronger’ plenary sessions, and more ‘practically-focused’ stream sessions, will be among the features of the conference at this October’s Healthcare Estates event in Manchester, say organisers, EMAP.
In planning this year’s content, the conference organising team says it will draw both on the extensive feedback received from delegates at the 2011 conference, and on recent research among nearly 100 health estates professionals from the NHS and the private sector. The conference organisers said: “Alongside some useful findings from our recent research, there was also a strong response to IHEEM’s call for papers, and, by combining the results of these three elements, we are looking forward to being able to announce the programme for the 2012 conference soon. One of the things we will be doing is looking to create more time for discussion and networking for delegates within the conference programme.” The theme of this year’s Healthcare Estates is ‘Improving outcomes through innovation’. “Some clear themes have already emerged in structure and content,” the conference organisers add. “For example, we will be focusing strongly on the impact on the sector of the reforms brought by the Health and Social Care Bill, including the future of the primary care estate, and future systems design, and the implications for healthcare providers. Also strongly in the spotlight will be energy and sustainability; refurbishment and refit; driving efficiencies; Pseudomonas, Legionella, and other waterborne diseases, and other compliance issues. Presentations on these varied topics should combine to create what we hope will be a strong and compelling conference programme.” New exhibition features Meanwhile, the organisers of this year’s exhibition, Step Exhibitions, are keen to draw attention to a number of new exhibition features also developed as a result of visitor feedback. Exhibition director, Steve Webb, said: “The design and construction of healthcare and mental health facilities, with examples of key projects and proposed schemes, and experts on hand to advise visitors to the event, will be the focus of a new dedicated Contractors & Architects Zone within the exhibition at this year’s Healthcare Estates.” Visitors to the new Zone will be able to hear presentations from professionals working in the field, and have the opportunity to meet up with representatives of leading architectural practices, construction companies, and others in the healthcare building supply chain. Organisations already signed up to participate include ProCure21+, Architects for Health, Stantec Anshen+Allen, ADP, Elliott Group, and AFL Architects. Steve Webb added: “By the time we open the doors in October, we hope to also be working with the Design Council, HLM, AEDAS, and a number of other key organisations. In line with our aim of offering value-added reasons to attend Healthcare Estates, the Contractors & Architects Zone will be part of the ‘Free to attend open theatres’ at this year’s show.” The Contractors & Architects theatre will run 10 sessions highlighting and discussing exemplar projects and schemes as part of over 20 hours of ‘free’ presentations in dedicated theatres. In addition, the area will have showcase pods, and a dedicated networking area, so that visitors can connect with companies and individuals involved. Steve Webb added: ‘Extensive research following last year’s event clearly identified a significant interest in a number of crucial areas for the engineering, facilities, and estates departments within NHS and private healthcare organisations, as well as those professionals employed in planning and development roles. We are consequently working on a number of new features and dedicated areas in response. “One of the most popular subject areas singled out was the design and delivery of new facilities, linked to examples of schemes that have already been delivered; hence the development of the Contractors & Architects Zone. Visitors were also keen to hear more about carbon reduction, infection prevention, estates management, and FM. Our aim is to address all these areas within the exhibition, which will also give visitors the opportunity to see and hear about new products.”
Growth in visitor numbers
Exhibitor numbers at Healthcare Estates 2012 continue to grow. In February alone over 20 organisations confirmed they would exhibit, taking overall exhibitor numbers to nearly 80. The most recent companies to confirm their presence include: Revise, Construction Specialties (UK), Taylor Young, Edmolift UK., Loxos, BAFE, Stantec Anshen & Allen, Prolite, GB Locking Systems, Numatic International, The Wandsworth Group, Design in Mental Health Network, Apollo Fire Detectors, Brandon Medical, Caregard Systems, ADP, Pall Life Sciences, Dart Valley Systems, and ARI Armaturen UK. Piers Conway-Hyde, business development manager at Numatic International, a manufacturer of commercial and industrial cleaning equipment, and first time exhibitor, said: “We’re looking forward to our first time at the IHEEM show, and the opportunity to introduce potential new customers to our comprehensive product range. We have plenty of product developments and innovations that we are keen to share with visitors during the two days.” Healthcare Estates takes place at Manchester Central from 9-10 October 2012. For conference details and delegate rates, T: 0845 056 8299; Email: healthestates@emap.com or visit: www.healthcare-estates.org.uk For details of exhibitor rates, and to register for the exhibition, T: 01892 518877, or visit: www.healthcare-estates.com
