COMMENT
Resilient to challenges, ready for change
Hello and welcome to the January 2026 issue of Health Estate Journal, the very first edition of the year. I hope the articles held within these pages both inspire and inform as we step into 2026 – a year which promises fresh developments, innovation, and transformation for healthcare estates. Times are tough. Whilst there are many challenges
to overcome, exciting new opportunities are emerging. The healthcare sector is incredibly resilient, and the NHS continues to operate stoically with remarkable determination, maintaining the high standards it has held since its inception, despite these demanding times. Trusts are fully embracing the digitisation of their services, and looking for new ways to innovate, communicate and deliver world leading patient care within sustainable, modern infrastructure. This month I’m delighted to bring you a whole host of
features from our industry contributors. Water safety remains a top priority. One article examines
how controlling microbial growth in healthcare water systems is about more than biocides – design, materials, installation, and ongoing maintenance are all vital (p35). Another case study identifies how monochloramine dosing successfully tackled persistent Legionella contamination in oncology hospitals, highlighting the operational and microbiological impact of proactive management (p55).
Cover Story
HDR system for effective management of waste volatile anaesthetic agents
The Halogenated Drug Recovery (HDR) platform offers a clinically non-disruptive pathway for NHS organisations tasked with reducing that part of their environmental impact directly attributed to the volatile anaesthetic agents used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia (desflurane, isoflurane and sevoflurane). It is delivered exclusively by BeaconMedaes as an integral part of its comprehensive, clinically-aligned sustainable solutions offering. Engineered as a centralised high-capacity system, a single HDR unit can support up to 40 operating theatres, or a combination of theatres and recovery bays. This centralisation not only reduces increased capital outlay for multiple single-room units but also avoids risk from any new infection-control hazards, as no equipment is introduced into the operating theatres. HDR’s processing efficiency of
99.99 per cent directly supports NHS Net Zero targets. Critically, HDR interfaces seamlessly with existing AGSS infrastructure. There is also no alteration to either anaesthetic machines or theatre staff workflows and therefore no training is required for use for clinical staff. The plantroom-based HDR’s collection
tanks require replacement every 3 to 6 months. The system is fitted with remote monitoring for instant notification of tank replacement. This predictable servicing
January 2026 | Volume 80 | Issue 01
interval contrasts favourably with the more labour-intensive demands of decentralised capture devices. The HDR system has a decade of
proven installations across Canada and the USA, where the platform has consistently demonstrated technical reliability, environmental impact reduction, and long-term operational resilience. It delivers a rigorously validated, low- touch, high-performing solution that aligns clinical practicality with sustainability targets. BeaconMedaes is a global leader in medical gas pipeline system (MGPS) solutions, with services including preventative maintenance contracts, equipment servicing, installation and commissioning, site surveys and design to HTM 02-01 standards. BeaconMedaes has been a trusted supplier to NHS and private hospitals for nearly 50 years and is owned by Atlas Copco, a well-established and world-leading provider of industrial productivity solutions.
Healthcare Estates 2025:
Full round-up see page 29
Raising safety and standards
in construction see page 46
Power-related challenges in
NHS estates see page 59
BeaconMedaes T: 01246 474242
E:
gbn.info@
beaconmedaes.com
www.beaconmedaes.com/en-uk
Cover HEJ
Jan26.indd 1 16/12/2025 09:09 January 2026 Health Estate Journal 5
Construction safety is another key focus. Knauf’s Mandeep Bansal reflects on the lessons from Grenfell Tower, emphasising that safe hospitals require a fully competent and accountable supply chain from design through delivery (p46). Technology continues to redefine day-to-day operations. Invigilatis’ Stephen Bartlett explores how fully digital verification of critical ventilation systems moves estates teams from reactive maintenance to predictive, AI- driven insights (p41). Netcall’s John Clarke shows how AI is transforming NHS patient journeys from referral to discharge, while Siemens’ Dr Janina Beilner outlines how AI, digital twins, and smart infrastructure are turning hospitals into efficient, patient-focused environments (p84, p73).
BlueSky Wireless’ Kevin Brown highlights how integrated communication platforms can streamline coordination and compliance, and Zendeavour’s Eugene Conroy explores how robust electrical infrastructure is essential for the NHS achieving its Net Zero targets (p81, p59). The message is clear – resilient, intelligent, and digitally- enabled estates are no longer optional; they are essential to the future of healthcare. All this, plus the latest industry news and moves, and a
review of Healthcare Estates 2025, rounds out this month’s issue (p29).
Advertising feature
Niamh Marriott, Editor
niamhmarriott@
stepcomms.com
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