2 minute read
National President’s message
Alot has changed since our Winter edition…. as a nation we appeared to have escaped the worst of the COVID crisis in comparison to other countries, however it is now clear that managing pandemics is not an exact science. The onset of the Delta variant and the huge spike in the rate of infections has forced a reset of our thinking as healthcare facility managers, not only in terms the obvious issues around infection control and future proofing design, but also how we manage resourcing our business in the face of local lockdowns and the unpredictable nature of state border closures.
The IHEA has not been immune from this and some hard calls have had to be made by the national board to ensure our ongoing viability. This has unfortunately led to the decision to postpone the 2021 National Conference to 2022. The Conference will remain at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and will be held on 11–13 May 2022. The change in dates will present a much better opportunity for the event to be a success and allow members to attend in person with all the benefits that this type of networking presents
Despite the bleak picture for us all at the moment … it will end. One of our aims as an organisation is to project into the future. What should the IHEA look like to best relate to a new generation of young people coming up through the ranks? Not only the re-design of our events in a world of ZOOM, a major ongoing project in itself, but how do we best promote the IHEA message from within.
We do not have all the answers, no one does. All ideas are welcome! Please reach out to your state branch committees. All we do know is with change, there is opportunity. We are entering a new world.
Managing the IHEA is a team effort, and we have an amazing team of Committee and Working Group Members, Past Presidents, Board Members, and Executive Team Members who have given tirelessly to our organisation. I would also like to thank our members who continue to be involved and engaged with our organisation during a very difficult year, and to our sponsors for their continued support. Together you’ve all left a mark, made a difference, and elevated the IHEA in many ways.
Please don’t forget renew your membership and plan to get involved in your state activities and our National Conference.
Stay Safe
