Editor’s message

As we continue into 2021, some are describing it as 2020.1 – a revision on what last year was, and yet in a bazaar way for many 2020 was perhaps a bit of a blur – special events that were a long time in the planning were either postponed, cancelled or significantly modified. This included many personal events; travel, celebrations, weddings, births – that would usually involve significant personal interactions were perhaps more reserved or spontaneous to avoid lock-downs. As we emerge into the COVID-normal environment in Australia, with the vaccination rollout teasing us with the anticipation of more social engagement, we are constantly reminded of our own personal obligations to limit the spread of COVID.

With the great work being done in our healthcare settings and right across the Australian community, we have fared very well, and it is something we should pause and be grateful for. It’s easy to complain in the face of lock-downs, and restrictions, but our infection and mortality rates are certainly the envy of many other countries.

Planning is well underway for our ‘normal’ IHEA National Conference in September in Perth, WA – deferred from September 2020, and when we do gather it will be somewhat modified as we meet our COVIDSafe obligations. It will be a refreshing opportunity to get together again in person, so lock in the dates and plan to head across to beautiful WA for the event being held September 13th-15th. It presents an excellent opportunity to make or renew acquaintances with others sharing your passion for healthcare engineering excellence and professionalism, to learn from industry experts and to experience new and emerging healthcare technologies.

If you’ve never been to an IHEA National Conference, it is widely described as one of the best technical healthcare conferences in Australia, focussing specifically on facility design, construction and operation and anybody engaged in this space always comes better informed and equipped.

With the release of the Autumn edition of Healthcare Facilities, thanks goes to all who have contributed, our sponsors, stakeholders and publishers for their work bringing this digital edition to you.

Regards Darryl Pitcher – Editor