TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AE(D) Framework
obstacles to change. It is an exciting time for us at Eastwood
Park, with summer 2023 having seen us unveil our first training course on Controlled Environment Storage Cabinets – another important evolution in how healthcare has developed with new technologies. As discussed in this article, it is imperative
to keep our training up to date with the changing landscape of a Decontamination Lead. Following the development of our brand-new state-of-the-art training facility, with its sustained focus on hands-on, practical training, our aim of preparing learners for the responsibilities of their role has never been clearer. Please do not hesitate
to contact us for further information on the training course portfolio. We listen, and will react to meet the ever-changing world of decontamination services across the UK and beyond.
John Prendergast, Authorising Engineer, Decontamination and Eastwood Park trainer
S P O T L I G H T O N
meaningful and had purpose. His career has seen him progress through various roles to Head of Estates until, more recently, he decided a new challenge was in order. Having discovered an interest in microbiology, chemistry, physics, and engineering through his decontamination work within Estates, the Authorising Engineer (Decontamination) framework felt appealing to pursue. James is now an AE(D), based in Truro in Cornwall, a proud achievement which supports his
A JAMES TINSDEALL
position operating a small company offering services and consultancy to healthcare organisations across the UK. He has full control over the direction of his work, which he finds extremely fulfilling. His activities in a typical day range from administrative responsibilities, to working on specifications, reviewing records of audit reports, and teaching. James says his AE(D) status means clients benefit from a vast amount of knowledge acquired through experience and site visits to other hospitals, as well as peer knowledge and support via the extended network of AE(D)s. Of pursuing Authorising Engineer status, James cites as key motivations the desire for a change in career, and a new challenge. He
notes that ‘the AE(D) framework should not be underestimated, as it took about 1,500 hours’ works to provide the necessary evidence’. However, he stresses, support is available, adding: “There have been many people along the way that have helped in terms of my career development. You have to take control of your own career, but also know when to ask for help, as there are always people willing to assist if asked.” He intends to give back in the same vein, planning for his future by both continuing his existing contracts, and encouraging new individuals to progress their careers, as well as helping others wherever, and whenever, he can. He says: “Having progressed in my EFM career to a role as an NHS Trust Head of Estates, in my early fifties I decided I needed a new
challenge. Having enjoyed the decontamination elements of my work during many years spent in NHS healthcare estates roles, the framework for Decontamination AE(D) looked like the right challenge. Decontamination has a number of different and very interesting facets – including microbiology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. “No two days are the same, and every day is an opportunity to learn something.” A typical week includes office-based administration work,
typically three days on different hospital sites, and occasional teaching on decontamination courses. “Now, rather than being an employee, my career is within my own small limited as company, which allows me full control of my work and direction, which is extremely fulfilling. My advice to someone considering becoming an AE would be to decide if it is something you really want to do, and in making that
decision, carefully consider the input that will be needed and how you will meet that requirement. Also, talk to your existing AE, and always ask for help when you need it. “Customer organisations using an AE benefit via a wealth of knowledge, including the individual’s experiences at other hospitals. The
AE can also seek knowledge and solutions through the network of other AEs and industry contacts, as no one knows it all. Long term I hope that part of my role will be supporting other professionals in progressing their careers and offering them whatever help I can. One of the biggest highlights of an interesting career to date was receiving AE(D) certification.”
fter leaving school at 16, James Tinsdeall undertook a mechanical apprenticeship. He subsequently joined the NHS as a craftsman, a job he says was his first where the work felt
20 Health Estate Journal January 2024
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