When it comes to the world of healthcare facility maintenance, Nick Coffey stands out as a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for the field. With a career that spans over 15 years, Nick has dedicated his expertise to ensuring that hospitals and healthcare facilities run smoothly, creating environments where patient care can thrive. As the Maintenance Manager at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane, Nick leads a team of 20 tradespeople, overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring that the hospital’s infrastructure supports both staff and patients.
From Electrician to Healthcare Engineering Supervisor
Nick's journey into healthcare engineering started with his hands-on training as a trade-qualified electrician. Having always been drawn to working with his hands and solving problems, Nick found the perfect fit in the electrical trade. What he didn’t anticipate was how deeply he would become involved in healthcare infrastructure.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and making things work. The variety of work in the electrical field really appealed to me,” says Nick. After spending over 10 years working as an electrician at a private hospital, Nick became increasingly fascinated by how the Engineering team ensured the hospital’s facilities were running efficiently—ultimately making a significant difference to the quality of patient care.
As his career evolved, Nick stepped into a supervisory role, where he began managing a small team. The experience was invaluable, learning from an experienced mentor who taught him the importance of leadership, strategic thinking, and seeing the bigger picture. This shift into leadership roles allowed Nick to build on his technical knowledge and take on larger, more impactful projects.
Proud Moments and Career Highlights
One of the proudest moments of Nick’s career was being part of a multi-million-dollar hospital kitchen refurbishment project. This project transitioned the kitchen to a room-service model—improving service delivery, sustainability, and patient satisfaction. Nick worked closely with the engineering department during the planning and execution phases, providing essential insights into the hospital’s infrastructure and offering practical, site-based solutions to ensure the project’s success.
“The kitchen refurbishment was a game-changer. Not only did it enhance the patient dining experience, but it also resulted in a much more efficient, sustainable operation. It’s moments like that that make me proud to be part of this industry,” he shares.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Mentorship
Nick credits much of his success to his eagerness to learn and adapt. Whether it’s keeping up with new technologies, expanding his knowledge of hospital plant and equipment, or mentoring his team members, Nick is always seeking to grow in his field.
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to step back and look at the big picture. Sometimes, it's easy to get bogged down by the small stuff, but you have to keep in mind the overall goal. That perspective has helped me in my career time and time again,” Nick reflects.
As a mentor, Nick encourages his team to embrace this mindset. His advice? Don’t let minor challenges distract you. Talk through difficulties, step back, and focus on finding the best solution. It’s this kind of leadership that has earned Nick the respect of his colleagues and the team he manages.
What’s Next for Nick and the IHEA?
Nick’s involvement with the IHEA (Institute of Hospital Engineering Australia) has been a significant part of his career journey. Having served on the IHEA committee for over six years, Nick is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue contributing to the organization at a board level. For him, the IHEA has been an incredible resource, offering the chance to meet like-minded professionals and stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in healthcare facilities management.
“Joining the IHEA board is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with other industry leaders. I’ve learned so much from my involvement in the IHEA, and I want to help grow its membership, spread awareness, and continue supporting professionals in the field,” says Nick.
He’s passionate about embracing the rapid pace of technological advancement in the industry and is eager to see healthcare facilities adapt to the ever-changing landscape of modern technology. Nick’s vision for the IHEA is to continue fostering a community of learning, knowledge-sharing, and innovation.
Life Outside of Work
When he’s not overseeing hospital maintenance, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. Living in Brisbane, he loves outdoor adventures—particularly boating—and also finds joy in attending live theatre productions and music concerts. Whether it’s a weekend on the water or a night out enjoying the arts, Nick makes sure to balance his professional life with time for family and recreation.
Looking Forward
Nick Coffey’s journey in healthcare engineering is a testament to the power of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and strong leadership. His commitment to improving hospital facilities and mentoring the next generation of professionals is shaping the future of the healthcare facilities management industry. As he continues his work with the IHEA and in his role at Greenslopes Private Hospital, Nick remains focused on creating environments where both healthcare teams and patients can thrive.
Comments