TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CP and AP Framework


and primary patient treatment areas. “Ventilation is also extensively used in hospitals to comply with COSHH regulations for the removal of harmful substances such as waste anaesthetic gases, vapours, fumes, and dust etc. As the independent professional adviser to the healthcare organisation, the AE(V) must have in-depth knowledge and experience of all departments, functions, and facilities within a typical acute general hospital, and while not essential, experience of working in a hospital environment is extremely helpful in understanding the ‘hospital culture’, the patient type, their vulnerability, and what treatment, care, or process, takes place in each individual department. Critical ventilation systems are required in several types of departments, including operating theatres, mortuaries, isolating facilities, critical care, oncology wards, sterile supplies and services, manufacturing pharmacy, and different types of diagnostic and interventional imaging. While the fundamental principles of ventilation will be similar, the AE(V) is expected to know, and be able to advise their client on, exactly what type of system and installation is appropriate to the department in question. I use the phrase ‘ventilation system’ because ventilation is not simply an air-handling unit with air distribution; it is a fully holistic system, with the AE(V) needing to be experienced in all facets, including:


• Environment control – heating, cooling, humidification.


• LPHW, other heating media, chilled water, and refrigeration types.


• Controls – BMS, surgeons’ panels.


• Emerging technologies, such as air and ground source heat pumps.


• Sustainability, energy efficiency, and zero carbon.


• Fire aspects, and strategy relating to ventilation.


• Knowledge and understanding. • Design, development, and solving of


While an AE(V) will be expected to be suitably trained, and to demonstrate a broad knowledge of all these mechanical engineering topics, they will also be required to share their expert knowledge and opinion to support their client. I would expect any AE(V) to be on a career path for Engineering Council registration as IEng or CEng, and to be able to demonstrate the following competencies in their role as a registered AE(V):


• Responsibility, management, and leadership.


engineering problems.


• Communication and interpersonal skills • Professional commitment.


These competencies are essential for an AE(V) to be able to successfully carry out their duties, and a ‘fledgling’ AE(V) will quickly discover that their NHS Trust and other clients expect the AE to be ‘the most knowledgeable person on the planet’ regarding all matters relating to ventilation, associated systems, HTMs, HBNs, and all other guidance, standards, and legislation. I have found that the AE(V) is expected to know everything that the client does not, and to provide unequivocal solutions and commitment when the client is uncertain. The AE(V) will frequently be asked to


comment on compliance and derogation, and should always remember that compliance is ‘safety’, and not just HTM-03 ‘box-ticking’. This is where good interpersonal skills, ‘political’ thinking with tolerance, and calmness, are essential – especially for the times of frustration, and when you feel you are dealing with significant inexperience or indecisiveness. One of my favourite Florence Nightingale sayings, which I consider paramount to the AE role, is: “The first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.” If, having read the above, you feel you possess the necessary attributes to become an IHEEM-registered Authorising Engineer for Ventilation, please download an application and apply without delay.


Competent and Authorised Persons


John Prendergast, Principal Decontamination Engineer with NHS Wales SSP-SES.


John Prendergast was once again a prominent figure at the recent IHEEM Wales Regional Branch Conference and Exhibition at the ICC, Newport. As part of his extensive involvement with the IHEEM Decontamination Technical Platform, and as Chair of both the AE(D) BoR and Wales Regional Branch, 2024 saw John lead a small team in identifying


John Prendergast presenting at an NWSSP-SES event in Builth Wells in 2024.


shortcomings in the assessment of the competency of AP(D)s and CP(D)s. He explains: “The team has since gone on to develop a guidance document to support AE(D)s responsible for the competency assessment of estates and facilities staff hoping to be appointed as AP(D)s, to manage and coordinate engineering governance within the decontamination discipline within Trusts and the wider community.


“In anticipation of governmental guidance revision, the moves put forward will help develop a competency assessment process for AP(D)s and CP(D)s, and the consequent potential demand for a professional register. An AP(D) assessment ‘app’ has also been developed to enhance consistency and efficiency across the acceptance process. “More broadly, the 30 IHEEM


AE(D)s all contribute to the DTP, with extensive experience and expertise in the decontamination of single-use and reusable medical devices and pharmaceutical products, offering advice to healthcare and industrial facilities involved in the decontamination of medical devices. Registered AE(D)s and those in training are invited to attend meetings, engage in discussions around topical subjects, and network with colleagues. “As one part of the carefully defined registration process, AE(D) applicants enter a training framework comprising a series of theoretical and practical modules and coursework to be completed, each demonstrating the required level of understanding and capability in the field. While the overall route to becoming an AE(D) is rigorous, and not without


June 2025 Health Estate Journal 11


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