INSTITUTE NEWS
Exploring the new Midland Metropolitan University from top to ground floor
In June, members of IHEEM’s West Midlands Branch had the opportunity of visiting the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) in Smethwick near Birmingham. Hosted by Balfour Beatty,
the site visit was organised by Branch Chair, Phil Wade, and provided a first-hand glimpse into the remarkable healthcare engineering and estate management practices being implemented at the state-of-the- art MMUH. Led by Mark Jacques, MEP Project Lead from Balfour Beatty, attendees were treated to an insightful tour of the hospital site, gaining valuable insights into its innovative design and future potential. Scheduled for completion in 2024, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is poised to become a beacon of modern healthcare. The hospital will serve as the hub for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust’s acute inpatient services, offering a comprehensive range of clinical services. From emergency care facilities and imaging services to medical and surgical assessment units, cardiology services, maternity care, critical care, neonatal units, and more, MMUH is designed to provide a holistic and patient- centered healthcare experience. During the tour, IHEEM West Midlands
Branch members had the opportunity to explore MMUH from its rooftop at level 10 down to the energy centre on level 0. Key locations visited included the meticulously designed plantrooms situated at levels 10, 4, and 0. These critical areas play a pivotal
role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the hospital’s infrastructure. One highlight of the tour was the
Winter Garden located at level 5. Serving as the hospital’s main ‘welcome centre’, this inviting space offers a serene environment for patients, visitors, and staff alike. The Winter Garden reflects MMUH’s commitment to creating a healing and beautifully pleasing atmosphere within the hospital. Participants also had the opportunity to explore an example inpatient ward, providing an up-close look at the patient accommodation and amenities available. Each of the adult inpatient wards at MMUH consists of 32 beds, including 16 single rooms and four 4-bed bays. Recognising the diverse needs of patients, the wards are equipped with specialised facilities, such as positive pressure ventilated lobby (PPVL) isolation suites, bariatric rooms, and accommodations for independent wheelchair users. Another key highlight was the
operating theatre department, which
boasts an impressive eleven state-of-the- art theatre suites. Four of these suites are equipped with ultraclean ventilation canopies, ensuring optimal air quality and infection control measures. This cutting- edge facility will support a wide range of surgical procedures, enabling medical professionals to deliver exceptional care to patients. As healthcare engineering and estate management continue to evolve, MMUH stands as a testament to the possibilities of creating world-class healthcare environments that prioritise patient wellbeing, innovation, and healthcare excellence. The Institute has 12 UK and two
international Branches (Hong Kong and the Republic of Ireland). Throughout the year Branches hold various free events for everyone to attend, which are fantastic opportunities to gain CPD experience and to network. Please contact your local Branch if you would like to get involved in its next events:
www.iheem.org.uk/ branches
Launch of new Mechanical Technical Platform
The Institute announced at the 2023 Authorising Engineers Conference held in Epsom on 11 July that a new IHEEM Mechanical Technical Platform (MTP) was being set up to encompass additional engineering services that are not supported by the other specialist Technical and Advisory Platforms. The IHEEM Mechanical Technical Platform has been established with the following objectives in mind:
To provide members with an overview of key / emerging issues raised by the individual Technical Platforms and overall aspects of Mechanical Engineering Services.
To promote and improve best practice in the planning, design, equipment
manufacture, construction, commissioning, validation, and operational management, of Mechanical Services and associated systems in healthcare facilities.
In her opening comments at the Authorising Engineers Conference, IHEEM President, Alison Ryan (pictured), said the new Mechanical Technical Platform ‘will provide an overview of mechanical engineering aspects that aren’t covered by the other Technical Platforms, such as low-carbon electric heating services, cooling systems (including refrigeration), steam systems, pressure systems, controls, pneumatics,
and other specialist services’. A copy of the statement of intent and proposed structure of the Mechanical Technical Platform will be available shortly on the IHEEM website, and these will be reviewed at three-yearly intervals to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and appropriate.
Alison Ryan will be chairing the Platform, and is looking for new members. Please contact the IHEEM Head Office Team if you are interested in joining the committee, by email at
office@iheem.org.uk, or by telephone on 023 9282 3186.
August 2023 Health Estate Journal 9
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