Continuing NHS reform

The 2007 HEFMA Conference & Exhibition is the 10th annual event and also marks a decade of continuous NHS reforms. Such milestones have encouraged the North West HEFMA branch to focus the 2007 conference on The Search for Sustainability and how to continue both to improve the patient experience and deliver cost effective services. This year the conference will be chaired by Frances Edmonds; broadcaster, writer, TV and radio presenter, multilingual interpreter and speaker.
    
The 2007 event will feature a busy programme of lectures and debates centred around current issues facing NHS facilities managers, as well as providing the opportunity to reflect on the last 10 years. The conference will have both plenary sessions and several break-out groups to meet the needs of all delegates. Topics include:

• Future directions in the governance of the health estate

• The new NHS supply chain – meeting the sustainability agenda

Healthcare reform – the service perspective

• Healthcare reform – the development agency perspective.

Focused breakout workshops
Wednesday afternoon will be devoted to breakout workshops, providing delegates with detailed, practical discussion of specific issues. Attendees will be able to choose two of the following sessions:

• Energy Sustainability
• Workforce Sustainability
• Transport, Travel & Access: Sustainability & the Environment
• Sustainability and the Commercial Sector

HEFMA 2007 is also an ideal opportunity to network with facilities colleagues and industry suppliers from across the country and beyond, while embracing the unique experience that is Blackpool.
    
Continuing with tradition, there will be a drinks reception, gala dinner and after-dinner entertainment following the first day’s conference debates. For those joining us on the evening before conference starts, there will also be an opportunity to meet with fellow attendees while enjoying some good food and drink at an informal icebreaker evening.
    
In recognition of the 10th Annual Conference, the North West Branch will also be hosting a HEFMA National Awards ceremony centred on three main categories: Facilities Team of the Year, Facilities Manager of the Year and Project Manager of the Year. Branches and individuals have been encouraged to nominate and short list candidates to celebrate members’ successes and achievements both on the personal and team level.
    
Project Manager of the year will be awarded to the individual who best demonstrates the most effective project management competence, no matter the scale or type of project. The Facilities Manager of the Year Award will be made to the person who demonstrates outstanding personal performance and career development. The Award for Facilities Team of the Year will go  to the group of people who can demonstrate that they have given excellent service to their clients, providing consistent and exceptional facilities services to patients and staff.

For more information
Website: www.hefma.org.uk