Editor ’s message

We are all aware of how brutally disruptive the past few months have been, and perhaps you, dear colleague, most likely involved in the healthcare sector, have been as disrupted in your workplace as many others. To be fair, perhaps your workplace has not seen the negative impact of financial downturn caused by COVID-19 that has devastated many other sectors, but I’m confident you’ve felt the disruption.

I’ve talked to a number of healthcare engineering professionals around the world, in my role with IFHE, and with connections on a number of continents – the stories are repeated. Some have experienced the most confronting personal impacts of staff losing multiple family members to Coronavirus – and to them we extend our heartfelt condolences – but I’m sure you will agree there have been many other impacts.

In this edition we explore the amazing feat of how Manchester Central – a massive open indoor convention space – was converted into a 650 bed COVID-19 specific hospital in Manchester, UK – in just over 2 weeks. We also look at how the Falkland Islands prepared for the invasion of COVID-19 and how they responded to their own unique challenges.

In every part of the world, necessity is driving innovation and we share with you some innovative options being used to address the emerging needs related to the present pandemic. It’s at times like this I am reminded of how privileged we are in Australia – with government and

industry leadership, that has helped us weather the storm better than many other communities.

As Healthcare Engineers – you ought all be proud of the work you have undertaken in supporting the response to the current crisis, and helped our country respond so well. It is therefore the right time to be raising your profile and that of this sector, and of your peak body – IHEA. As membership renewals will soon be circulated, please encourage others to join you and look out for ways you can share your experience and learning with others. I encourage all of you to contribute to this publication and share it with the professionals and companies you work with.

As a result of financial pressures on a number of our supporters and stakeholders, it has been agreed that this and the next edition of Healthcare Facilities are online only, to minimise costs associated with printed copies. I’m aware many may think this is the way of the future – and some may be diametrically opposed to this – either way, I’d be please to hear what you think about the new e-Version layout and if you think a hard copy Journal is still warranted in 2020.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Healthcare Facilities, and if you have any experiences or solutions that you feel we could share with others nationally and globally, please get in touch with me at ihea.editor@ihea.org.au

Regards Darryl Pitcher – Editor