The SDS team had an incredible and very busy few days at IHEEM Healthcare Estates 2026 in Manchester. Once again, the event proved to be a hub for innovation, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the healthcare design and construction community.
We were proud to sponsor the Architects for Health (AfH) networking area for another year. Our very own Russell James introduced and hosted the ‘Fireside Chats’, a thought-provoking discussion between Jaime Bishop, Chair of the Executive Committee at AfH, Michael Rope, Head of Technical Guidance for NHS England, and Matthew Ward, National Strategy Lead for NHS Infrastructure. Together, they explored the latest developments in neighbourhood health.
Russell also joined Philip Miller of Ryder Architecture in the Design and Construction Theatre to present “Friarage Surgical Centre: Designing for Quality, Capacity and Long-term Resilience for NHS Trusts”. The session showed how additional surgical capacity was delivered rapidly within an operational hospital, while maintaining quality, compliance, infection control and long-term durability.
We’re leaving Manchester inspired, energised and deeply appreciative of the connections and insights gained. Every year, IHEEM Healthcare Estates reminds us just how powerful collaboration, shared knowledge and forward-thinking design can be in creating safer, more sustainable healthcare spaces.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by Stand H5 to connect, share ideas, and talk about the future of healthcare environments. If you’d like to continue the conversation, or need guidance on your next healthcare door specification, our team is always happy to help.
We can’t wait to see you again next year!