With the recent focus on, and extensive media coverage of, the safety of hospital water systems (HEJ – May 2012, and pages 23-27 of this issue), two IHEEM ‘masterclass seminars’ being held in Leeds and London next month, entitled ‘The Invisible Threat’, will offer expert guidance and advice on maintaining a safe, high quality water supply and, for example, minimising the risk of waterborne infection to patients and staff.
Also examined at the seminars, which will take place on 17 July at the Rose Bowl at Leeds Metropolitan University, and on 19 July at the Mary Ward Centre, 10 Great Turnstile, London, will be ‘competing and antagonistic threats’ such as scalding and environmental impact, and a variety of other key water management and water safety and hygiene issues. Siân Barker, IHEEM’s events/ education manager, says: “In the past two years the sector has seen a new British Standard on Legionellosis risk assessment, new guidance on Pseudomonas following the death of neonates in Belfast, new SHTM04 guidance on water, a new BS 8558:2011 guidance document which replaces BS 6700, and talk of eliminating flexible hoses and using fewer TMVs etc, all against a backdrop of pressure to reduce costs. “These masterclass seminars, to be chaired by David Harper – a well-known exhospital engineer and expert in waterborne contamination prevention and emergency response, will explain the latest guidance and regulations, and discuss some of the latest research findings and technology. They will also provide a great platform for discussions with other delegates.” The speaker line-up includes:
• John Newbold – HM Specialist Inspector, HSE.
• Dr Nick Hill – technical director, the Water Hygiene Centre.
• Clare Reynolds – Laboratory manager (Water Testing), Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Steve Mount – Legionella consultant, Steve Mount Associates.
• Alan Hambidge – Director, Empathy Environmental Consultants.
• Rob Griffiths – Legionella consultant (Water Regulations), Griffiths Associates.
The seminars, at which numbers are now limited, are being supported by an education grant provided by Pall Medical. Siân Barker adds: “Are you a company affiliate member of IHEEM? If so, why not take part in the CASP (Company Affiliate Supporter Package) initiative, which will give you a branding/profile opportunity, as well as the chance to join in the debate and network with delegates and speakers.” T: 02392 823186, or email: sian.barker@iheem.org.uk
IHEEM is also keen to hear suggestions by e-mail for future seminar ‘hot topics’; senders of suggestions have the chance to win a free place at an IHEEM training seminar of their choice over the next year. The winner will be announced in a future edition of HEJ.
