Team Henderson recently returned from the 2024 Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Management (TAHFM) Annual Conference. The event focused on facilities management and covered a diverse range of topics pertinent to today’s professionals in the field. Sessions provided deep dives into regulatory readiness, sustainability in energy usage, hospital upgrades, mental health awareness for staff, and the evolving landscape of facilities management roles. Laura Longoria, outpatient practice director, returned with the following takeaways:

Regulatory Readiness: Understanding the Code and Its References

This session provided a comprehensive overview of current regulations affecting the industry. Speakers emphasized the importance of fully understanding legal codes and their applications to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Experts shared insights on navigating the complexities of these regulations and offered strategies for staying informed about updates and changes.

Continued Focus on Energy Use and Sustainability

Sustainability remains a critical topic, with a particular emphasis on reducing energy consumption within facilities. Presenters discussed innovative approaches to integrating green technologies and sustainable practices into daily operations. They explored case studies demonstrating successful implementation of energy-efficient systems and the long-term benefits of adopting sustainable practices.

Hospital Upgrades: Balancing New Services and Existing Conditions

A highlight of the conference was the discussion on hospital upgrades. With the healthcare sector rapidly evolving, facilities are under pressure to expand services while contending with aging infrastructure. Speakers shared their experiences in upgrading facilities and highlighted the challenges and solutions in bringing hospitals up to modern standards without disrupting existing services.

Mental Health and Wellness of Staff

Acknowledging the often-overlooked aspect of staff well-being, this session shed light on the mental health and wellness of facility management teams. Experts discussed the psychological impacts of managing large-scale facilities and the importance of fostering a supportive work environment. Practical advice was offered on implementing wellness programs and resources to support staff mental health.

Diversification of Facilities Management Roles

The closing session explored the diversification of roles within facilities management, driven by a changing workforce demographic. With a new pool of talent entering the field, there is a significant shift towards more inclusive and varied job roles. Speakers addressed how this diversification can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to facilities management, enhancing problem-solving and creativity in the workplace.

Overall, the conference provided valuable insights into the current trends and challenges facing facilities management professionals. Attendees left equipped with actionable strategies and a deeper understanding of how to adapt to the changing landscape of their industry.

Henderson Knows Health

We’ve been designing healthcare projects for 25+ years and understand that each facility, campus, and project requires a unique approach. With that great responsibility comes the need to design solutions for patient safety, complex equipment, facility infrastructure, and resident comfort. The Health Sector is growing and changing quickly. Our experts are on the frontlines helping healthcare providers navigate new technology, complicated code requirements, and the emergence of neighborhood medtail clinics – all while taking patient care and safety as seriously as our clients do.