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National President’s Message
Iam happy to be writing this message as incoming National President of IHEA … again. I’ve had the honour of serving in this role previously between 2009 and 2011. Whilst much has changed in the past decade or so, my passion and interest in healthcare engineering remains strong. At the Perth Conference in May, the National Board met in-person for the first time since February 2020, when COVID was just emerging as a global threat. Since then, travel and large events have been almost impossible, and IHEA has really felt this impact, so it was excellent to be together discussing the way forward for IHEA.
I’d like to thank outgoing President, Jon Gowdy (NSW) for his commitment over the past 3 very difficult and unusual years. Work commitments have placed considerable pressure on everybody involved in healthcare engineering, and I know many on state committees and with National Board responsibilities were stretched to their limit, so I thank everybody who has supported IHEA through this period.
In-person Annual General Meetings and Board meetings, and consequently the rotation of Board members have all been disrupted, however there are some changes occurring on the National Board. Adrian Duff is replacing Brett Nickels as QLD state representative. Mark Hooper has also stood down from the National Board, with the Vic-Tas branch presently represented by Steve Ball. Together with myself, Jon, Steve and Adrian, IHEA directors currently include Rohit Jethro (WA – National Treasurer), Michael Scerri (SA/NT - Membership Registrar), Peter Easson (WA), Rob Arian (NSW) and Fred Foley (WA). Thank is due to Mark Hooper (Vic-Tas) and Brett Nickels (QLD) for their representation and efforts on the national Board. I look forward to continuing my work with the National Board in leading IHEA into the future.
State branches will be convening their annual meetings about now, so for members it is an ideal time to step in to support your local committee and branch. It was obvious at the Perth conference that there is a renewed enthusiasm for interaction between members, sponsors and industry representatives, and we welcome anybody with drive and enthusiasm to further the interest of IHEA at a local or national level. Please make sure you get together with your local colleagues and use the network provided through the IHEA to share, learn, laugh and grow.
The hot topic for IHEA members now is the imminent release of IHEA Connect – the newly constructed IHEA app and web-based platform for members to connect. We congratulate Alex Foster (WA Branch) and Gavin Carey-Smith (NZIHE President) for their suggestion in the ‘competition’ to name the new app – IHEA Connect was adopted, because it epitomises everything that IHEA is trying to achieve – connection. Keep an eye out for the email notifying of your new login credentials and membership renewal process.
The previous IHEA LDP App will need to be deleted, and replaced by the IHEA App available on your device app store. It is also available by clicking on “Member Login” at www. ihea.org.au. We are excited through this process to be able to offer a monthly direct debit payment plan, which has been requested by members for many years – it is now available through IIHEA Connect!
