A combination of seven plenary sessions and 24 stream sessions will offer attendees at this year’s Healthcare Estates annual conference in Manchester with ‘an unrivalled range and depth of content’, according to the conference’s organisers, i2i Events Group.
“With the recent enactment of the Health and Social Care Bill, it is a major priority for the estates community to understand how the new Act will impact and shape the development and provision of healthcare services. How and where care is delivered wil change; it is essential that estates professionals have a voice in ensuring the the delivery of quality patient care in the future,” said the conference organisers.
Government speaker
The opening plenary sessions at Healthcare Estates 2012, which will take place at Manchester Central from 9-10 October, will feature a Government speaker outlining what the Act means for the healthcare estates community. A panel of NHS representatives, including a chief executive, a finance director, estates directors, and a clinical commissioning group executive, as well as private sector representatives, will also discuss ‘the practicalities of changing estates needs as part of healthcare reform’. The day one conference programme will conclude with an interview with a private sector healthcare provider, followed by a session focused on how engineers, architects, and clinicians, can work together to create the most safe and efficient patient care environment. In between there will be four stream sessions ‘packed with practical and best practice examples’, covering:
• Architecture and design.
• Waste management and decontamination.
• Governance and culture.
• Finance and PFI.
Day two will start with plenary sessions exploring the role of NHS Property Services, and the changes for primary and community estates, followed by a focus on ‘translating sustainability guidance into practice’, with sustainability best practice case study presentations. After lunch four further stream sessions will cover:
• Energy and sustainability.
• Infection control and water systems.
• Design and architecture.
• Technical updates.
i2i added: “The programme has been developed following feedback from last year’s delegates and research among nearly 100 health estates professionals, as well as from the responses to IHEEM’s call for papers. The conference team is currently securing speakers, so ensure that you visit www.healthcare-estates.org.uk for the latest programme and information, and to book your place. Delegates will again be able to include places for the IHEEM annual awards dinner on the evening of the first day of the conference within their overall ‘package’. This year we will also be introducing discounted prices for NHS delegates.” For conference details and delegate rates, T: 0845 056 8299; Email: health.estates@i2ieventsgroup.com or visit: www.healthcare-estates.org.uk
Exhibition already ‘over 60% sold’
This year’s Healthcare Estates exhibition, meanwhile, is already ‘over 60 % sold’. Step Exhibitions’ exhibition director, Steve Webb, said: “In the past month alone, organisations to have confirmed their presence include Caregard Systems, ADP, Pall Life Sciences, Dart Valley Systems, ARI-Armaturen, Calder Industrial, Imperial Polythene, Hochiki Europe, and Vizcall. One of several new exhibition highlights this year is the Contractors’ & Architects’ Zone (see artist’s impression above), which will be part of the ‘Free to attend open theatres’ feature at this year’s event. It will focus on the design and construction of healthcare and mental health facilities, with examples of key projects, proposed schemes, and experts on hand to help advise visitors.
Focus on mental health
Steve Webb said: “One of our initiatives in 2012 is our involvement with, and support of, the Design in Mental Health Network (DIMHN). The organisation’s aims include seeking funding for research, and developing links with other organisations to help improve the standard of accommodation and facilities for mentally unwell people across the UK. DIMHN said: “The Network has agreed a significant presence at the IHEEM exhibition. We will start with a study tour and site visits on the day before the event opens, and, at the exhibition itself, will hold a meeting, with presentations and advice clinics, and have a stand. DIMHN members who attend will have ‘VIP status’ (see HEJ – March 2012) at the exhibition. This takes us to a new level in our involvement with IHEEM, and heralds a working partnership which we hope will live up to both organisations’ ideals.” Details of the presentations and advice clinics will be announced shortly.
Best practice and trends
Architects already signed up to the new Contractors’ and Architects’ Zone include ADP and Stantec Anshen + Allen. Chris Thornton, partner and Healthcare Strategy leader at ADP, said: “Each year at Healthcare Estates we’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, discuss best practice and latest trends, and to connect with new individuals and organisations. This year is no exception, and we’re particularly pleased to be at the heart of the new Architects’ and Contractors’ Zone.” Meanwhile, Jonathan Wilson, principal and Healthcare Sector leader at Stantec Anshen + Allen, said: “We are really looking forward to the opportunity to interact with other thought-leaders across the healthcare sector.”
Product Showcases
Steve Webb added: “We will also soon be announcing further details of the HEJ Product Showcase area, which is attracting substantial interest.” Sustainability will also once again be a major theme within the IHEEM conference programme, which will also be reflected on the exhibition floor, with free content provided by BRE and exhibitors such as Revise. The exhibition will include over 20 hours of ‘free’ presentations in dedicated theatres, organised and presented by leading groups and partners working with Step Exhibitions. Steve Webb added: “For organisations keen to exhibit, prices start from under £3,000 + VAT for a shell scheme stand, including carpet, lighting, power, and name board.” Options and prices include:
• £305 + VAT per m2 for space only.
• £335 + VAT per m2 for shell scheme.
• Stand sizes available from 6 m2 to 48 m2.
For more details on exhibiting, visiting, and other involvement in the Healthcare Estates 2012 exhibition, T: 01892 518877, or email: healthcare@stepex.com To register for the exhibition, visit www.healthcare-estates.com or T: 01892 518877.
