HEALTHCARE VENTILATION
A modern UCV theatre. Note the demarcation to the floorcovering to indicate the canopy boundary. Even in modern UCV theatres, some of the largest of their kind, overcrowding from equipment can be a challenge, and should be considered when conducting performance tests and troubleshooting.
Professional Development (CPD) can be helpful here, but as a minimum, the standard CP (Ventilation) certification is required. The same applies for the AP (Ventilation), and CPD might be even more helpful to these individuals so that they can maintain best practices and industry standards. CPD can also help when considering any additional maintenance requirements for ventilation systems. CPD is also important for stakeholders of the VSG, who might also then be better informed for making recommendations for mitigations or early warnings.
Taking the AE’s advice Where teams are unsure, it is always best to seek the guidance of the Trust AE (Ventilation).
To summarise, the following strategies might be used to manage legacy AHU systems. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it a checklist, but some Estates teams might find it useful to compare against their current strategies: n Conduct a six-facet survey,5
and
maintain an asset register. It is also important to consider decant costs as part of the valuation process during surveys, along with any disruption to services due to failure.
n Recruit and retain a well-trained, experienced, and competent team of individuals carrying out and managing the maintenance and comprehensive assessments, to identify issues such as filter degradation, airflow restrictions, fan deterioration, and
microbial contamination.
n Commission an engaged and experienced AE (Ventilation).
n Maintain a VSG that is well-attended (recording and reporting attendance and absenteeism to the overseeing committee can help manage this), with membership that includes the Director of IPC, the Trust microbiologist, other clinical colleagues, and the AE (Ventilation).
n A comprehensive maintenance schedule, influenced by the determined level of risk. It is also recommended that a physical ‘Operations Manual’ be available to all parties in the Estates office (this may feature in a future article), including drawings, verification reports, escalation routes, and policies and procedures,
September 2024 Health Estate Journal 69
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