Dear Members,
As we approach the close of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve shared together. This year has been a testament to the strength and commitment of our Institute, and it fills me with immense pride to celebrate our collective achievements.
Recently I have had the honour of representing IHEA at the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (IFHE) Council Meeting and Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Although we can sometimes feel that Australia is a world away, the Conference caused me to reflect on how many of the same challenges are faced by the healthcare industry globally. Primary healthcare systems that can’t keep up, ramping in our emergency departments, the need for scarce resource optimisation, and an imperative to meet sustainability objectives in the midst of rising demand and falling budgets — these are challenges shared across borders. I celebrate the passion you bring in the midst of the tempest, as we continue to navigate these complex issues and push for innovation in healthcare engineering.
One of the year’s standout moments was our Annual Conference, where we gathered as a community to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and inspire one another. The conference was a true celebration of innovation in healthcare engineering, with a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. We witnessed firsthand the remarkable advances being made in our field and the critical role we play in shaping the future of healthcare.
In November, the IHEA board met in Adelaide to discuss a range of important matters. I certainly appreciated the passion and ideas expressed, and we are fortunate to have a committed and experienced board to lead the organisation into 2025 and beyond. Their dedication ensures that we remain on a strong path, driving change and improving the healthcare engineering profession.
This year also saw a significant increase in events — both virtual and in-person — that brought members together across the country. From technical webinars to in person workshops, our events have provided members with valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. The enthusiasm and participation from all of you have made these events a resounding success, and we are excited to continue this momentum into the new year.
Looking ahead, in May, I plan to head to Belgium for the IFHE Council Meeting, run alongside IFHE’s European Conference. IHEA has, for many years, been a strong and reliable partner of the international federation, punching well above its weight pound for pound. With IFHE in the midst of redeveloping its policies and procedures, we continue to help shape the organisation for the future, with special attention to initiatives in our region.
We’ve faced challenges along the way, but together we have shown resilience, creativity, and a determination to push the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare engineering. As we look forward to the coming year, we remain committed to driving innovation, advocating for the importance of our field, and supporting each and every one of you in your professional journeys.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication, your contributions to our community, and your passion for advancing healthcare engineering. I am truly grateful for each of you, and I look forward to celebrating even more milestones with you in the year ahead.
On behalf of the Institute, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, restful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Here's to continued success, new opportunities, and even greater achievements in the year to come!
With warmest regards,
Michael Scerri
President, Institute of Healthcare Engineers
Commentaires