EVENT REVIEW
water, mechanical and medical devices, reinforcing the event’s position as a knowledge-sharing forum for technical leadership.
Sessions such as Dr James Soothill’s research into
antimicrobial drainage technologies and AE Mike Dunne’s talk on critical ventilation validation and how it relates to construction reflected the depth of innovation taking place at system level. The IHEEM diversity and inclusion group’s discussion on the path to inclusivity was important listening, too.
5. Estates & Facilities Services This part of the programme particularly addressed Net Zero delivery and backlog maintenance. Case studies from Trusts across the UK showcased predictive asset management, hydrogen readiness, heat pump deployment, and FM efficiency measures. There were talks on UPS and IPS, water system failings and emerging risks – and their potential solutions.
Workshops and specialist seminars The delegate-only workshops added even more depth to the speaker programme. There were sessions on hydrogen readiness, geothermal energy, strategic estates management, and procuring for Net Zero. The themed seminar theatres – covering Energy & Sustainability, Water Safety & Infection Control, Performance & Compliance, Engineering for Resilience, Smart Hospitals & Digital Innovation, and Design & Construction – offered continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. There was really strong representation from key players
from within the NHS, major Trusts, leading consultancies and manufacturers, technology providers and IHEEM technical platforms. It seemed to me to successfully balance policy talk and actual operational experience and advice. As expected, Net Zero and future technology took centre stage, and there was a lot of discussion, rightly so, on patient safety and infection prevention. My discussions with the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) were particularly illuminating. All of the discussions seemed to reinforce the central message of the event: that prevention, resilience, and much needed intelligent investment in the healthcare estate are critical to patient outcomes – and the continued longevity of the system.
Healthcare Estates Awards The winners of this year’s Healthcare Estates IHEEM Awards were announced at a black-tie dinner on the first night of the show, which IHEEM invited me to. Industry awards are always an excellent opportunity to reflect on the successes of the previous year, commend innovation and collaboration, and champion those hard-working individuals who are truly making a difference in a particular sector. I was pleased to discover the high calibre of the awards themselves. Judged by a panel of industry experts, hundreds of entries were whittled down to a high-quality shortlist, and the winners selected from there. Look out for interviews in the magazine with several of the winners over the coming months. A highlight for the team and myself was the special award presented to my predecessor Jonathan Baillie, in recognition of his contribution to the sector, for his exceptional dedication and more than 17 years of service as Editor of Health Estate Journal (HEJ). Our publisher, Geoff King, of Step Communications, said of Jonathan: “Writing is where he truly excels. To produce issues of a magazine for 17 years with continued enthusiasm is no mean feat. He has established himself as a key figure within the industry and I have no doubt his writing services will continue to be called upon for years to come.” To see the full list of winners, scan the QR code or go to:
www.healthestatejournal. com/story/49953/healthcare-estates- 2025-spotlight-on-success
Conclusion This was my first time attending Healthcare Estates, and I have to say I felt genuinely welcomed from the moment I arrived. Yes, it was full-on – with packed sessions, a busy exhibition hall, and back-to-back presentations – but you could really feel the energy in the room. There was a palpable sense of enthusiasm, collaboration, and shared purpose among everyone I met. Between the keynotes, exhibitor stands, and the chance to connect with so many knowledgeable professionals, it was clear why this show is such a highlight for the healthcare estates sector. I left feeling informed, inspired, and excited to be part of this community going forward. Bring on 2026!
January 2026 Health Estate Journal 33
From the seminar sessions, to the Members Lounge, to the packed Exhibitor’s Hall, people were engaged with the industry’s biggest challenges – and their solutions.
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