Join the IPS Wessex Branch for a day of expert insight, practical learning and networking exploring how the design, management and development of healthcare environments can support safer patient care.
Bringing together colleagues from infection prevention and control, estates and facilities, healthcare construction and the wider built environment, this year’s Wessex Annual Conference will explore the challenges – and opportunities – involved in creating healthcare settings that are safe, resilient and fit for the future.
From new-build and refurbishment projects to ventilation, water safety, wastewater surveillance and the management of high-consequence infections, the programme will look at the infrastructure issues that can have a direct impact on infection risk and patient safety.
What will you take away?
With a programme combining expert presentations, real-world experience, practical insights and opportunities for discussion, you’ll hear how different teams are approaching some of the most important infrastructure and infection prevention challenges facing healthcare today.
Building for safety
Explore the role of infection prevention and control in new healthcare builds and refurbishment projects, including how IPC expertise can help shape safer environments from the outset.
The air we share
Hear an estates perspective on ventilation, compliance and infection prevention, and the importance of effective collaboration between estates and IPC teams.
Water under scrutiny
Examine the ongoing challenge of waterborne pathogens and water safety, with insights into managing risks within healthcare environments.
Wastewater intelligence
Discover how wastewater stewardship and surveillance can contribute to identifying and responding to emerging threats, including lessons from community nursing homes.
Beneath the surface
Look at an often-overlooked area of infection risk with mattress management, exploring the hidden challenges that can sit beneath the surface.
Prepared for the unexpected
Consider the IPC challenges associated with high-consequence infectious diseases, including the management of MERS and the need for robust preparedness when the margin for error is low.
From theory to practice
Hear about real-world projects, challenges, innovations and lessons learned, and consider how these experiences can inform practice in your own organisation.
A programme designed for collaboration
The conference will bring together perspectives from across healthcare, recognising that creating safer environments is not the responsibility of one profession or one team.
Throughout the day, speakers will share their experiences and expertise, providing opportunities to consider how IPC, estates, facilities and other disciplines can work together to identify risk, strengthen assurance and improve outcomes for patients and staff.
There will also be dedicated opportunities to meet colleagues, exchange ideas and explore the latest products and services from our exhibitors.
Programme highlights
Extending IPS Reach
IPC roles in new builds and refurbishment projects
Frimley Hospital: removal of water outlets
Estates team perspectives in new builds and ventilation projects
High Consequence, Low Margin for Error: IPC management of MERS
Mattress Matters: the hidden infection risk beneath the surface
Waterborne pathogens
Wastewater stewardship in community nursing homes
Plus networking, exhibition viewing and opportunities to share experiences with colleagues
Who should attend?
This conference will be relevant to professionals working across healthcare who have an interest in infection prevention, healthcare infrastructure, estates, facilities and the built environment, including:
Infection prevention and control professionals
Estates and facilities teams
Healthcare construction and redevelopment teams
Water safety and ventilation specialists
Healthcare managers and leaders
Professionals involved in environmental and infrastructure risk
Anyone involved in designing, developing or maintaining safer healthcare environments
Whether you work directly in IPC, estates or another part of the healthcare system, the conference offers an opportunity to understand the issues from different perspectives and take practical learning back to your organisation.
Come along for a day of practical insight, expert knowledge and cross-disciplinary discussion — and take away ideas that can help support safer healthcare environments in your own organisation.
Book your place today and join colleagues from across healthcare at the IPS Wessex Annual Conference 2026.
