TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT The AE role
Chapter 3 of Health Technical Memorandum 00: Policies and principles of healthcare engineering (2014 Edition) summarises the professional support and management structures required to implement the HTMs for the role of Authorising Engineer (AE) as follows:
The AE will act as an independent professional adviser to the healthcare organisation. The AE should be appointed by the organisation with a brief to provide services in accordance with the relevant HTM. The professional status/role required vary in accordance with the service being provided. The AE will act as assessor and make recommendations for the appointment of Authorised Persons (APs), monitor the performance of the service, and provide an annual audit to the Designated Person (DP).To effectively carry out this role, particularly regarding audit, the AE should remain independent of the operational structure of the healthcare organisation.
David Livingstone CEng, FIHEEM, MCIBSE, MBCS, Managing Director, DRLC Ltd
David Livingstone has a wealth of operational experience and capital project supervision. He is passionate about delivering fit for purpose healthcare facilities, and works with designers, Authorised Persons, and Senior Operational Managers, to deliver patient safety. A combination of engineering background and senior management experience gives him a unique ability to provide advice.
The role of an
Authorising Engineer An Authorising Engineer in the health sector plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of healthcare facilities. Authorising Engineers provide advice on the following:
1
Regulatory compliance and risk management
Ensuring compliance: AEs ensure that healthcare facilities comply with relevant legislation, standards, and guidelines. This includes adherence to health and safety regulations, building codes, and specific
healthcare standards such as those from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Health Building Notes (HBNs), Building Regulations, or Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs). Risk assessment: They conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of incidents, and enhances patient and staff safety.
2
Technical expertise and guidance Specialist knowledge: AEs provide specialist knowledge in technical areas such as ventilation systems, water hygiene (e.g., Legionella control), pressure systems, and medical gases. Their expertise ensures that these critical systems are designed, maintained, and operated safely and efficiently. Technical advice: They offer technical advice and support to healthcare facility managers and staff, helping them to understand complex technical issues and make informed decisions. As subject matter experts, AEs are well placed to offer Design Review comments on new build or refurbishment projects.
3
Quality assurance and improvement
Audits and inspections: AEs conduct regular audits and inspections of facilities and systems to ensure they meet required standards. They identify areas for improvement, and ensure
that any deficiencies are addressed promptly. Continuous improvement: They promote a culture of continuous improvement by recommending best practices, new technologies, and innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and patient care.
4
Training and competency development Staff training: AEs are responsible for checking the training records and advising on improving the competency of staff involved in the operation and maintenance of critical systems. This ensures that staff are knowledgeable, skilled, and capable of performing their duties safely and effectively. Competency assessment: They assess the competency of staff to ensure they meet the required standards, and are capable of managing the systems they are responsible for.
5
Sustainability and efficiency
Energy efficiency: AEs can help healthcare facilities reduce their environmental impact by identifying opportunities for energy efficiency and sustainability improvements. This includes optimising systems to reduce energy consumption, and implementing renewable energy solutions.
Resource management: They assist in the effective management of resources, ensuring that systems are not only efficient, but also
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