Specialised Ventilation in Healthcare Premises

Course outline

This course is arranged by the University of Leeds in conjunction with the NHS. It will examine the specific requirements for the provision of ventilation in Healthcare Premises and explain the thinking behind current standards. Hospitals are full of vulnerable people, if the ventilation is inappropriate or inadequate the results can be grave.

In order to provide a safe and suitable environment for patients and staff, the areas below need to be ventilated;

• Operating theatres
• Patient treatment and isolation rooms
• X-Ray and imaging suites
• Pathology laboratories
• Pharmaceutical preparation areas
• Sterile services packing rooms
• Estate workshops
• Mortuaries and post mortem rooms

Many activities are subject to specific statutory requirements designed to control exposure to airborne hazards.

The basis of guidance on specialised ventilation for healthcare premises is HTM03-01 (2007). The document has superseded HTM2025 has been extensively updated with many sections being completely rewritten. The following are some of the major changes that will be discussed;

• Revised basic design parameters
• New minimum standards for air handling units (AHU’s)
• A full update of the standard theatre ventilation schemes
• Revised Ultra Clean Ventilation (UCV) design guidance
• A rewrite of the UCV acceptance test regime
• The introduction of routine testing and performance standards

Who will benefit from this course?

This course will take a holistic look at the need for ventilation in healthcare premises and how it can best be provided. It will therefore be of particular interest to:

• Infection control personnel and team leaders
• Estates and facilities managers and other Healthcare professionals who are involved with the provision, performance or operation of specialised ventilation systems.
• Operating department managers
• Capital project managers
• Consulting engineers
• Trust risk assessment managers
• Project management groups
• Equipment manufacturers
• Test and Validation specialists

In fact, anyone with an interest in the provision of ventilation for the Healthcare sector will find this course of benefit, as it will inform them of the client’s specific needs.

Course structure

The course will consist of lectures and group workshops supported by a small display of typical equipment. The course is fully residential and held over four days, equating to 25 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). There will be a multiple choice questionnaire at the end of the course to provide proof of knowledge gained.