ASHE President's Letter

Thanks for the opportunity

It is hard to believe that this is my final letter to you as the 2008 ASHE president. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve and I know that because of what we have done in terms of services, tools and products, you will be better prepared to be “Always Ready” to take action to ensure that America’s health care facilities are safe and operational, meeting the needs of our communities.

The past 12 months have gone by quickly and, as I look back, I am amazed at all that ASHE has accomplished:

  • Held two record-setting conferences—The International Conference and Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) conference with the theme of “The Business of Sustaining Our Future” (our first “green” conference); and the Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition with the theme of “Always Ready.”

  • Expanded our members’ networking capabilities by providing an ASHE membership roster on a searchable CD-ROM.

  • Produced “This New Hospital,” the first DVD in a series of videos to educate hospital managers and workers on the impact that construction projects have on hospital operations. Each ASHE member received a complimentary copy of this DVD with the May-June issue of our Inside ASHE publication.

  • Launched the Healthcare Construction Project Management (HCPM) program to aid those performing construction projects in hospitals with insights about the challenges faced and proven methods for success.

  • Took a leadership role in developing the American Hospital Association’s (AHA’s) strategy for sustainability, through AHA’s “In Pursuit of Excellence” initiative. This effort will establish AHA’s recommendations and best practices on how to incorporate “green” into health care facilities design and operation.

  • Expanded the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) program with an increase of more than 200 CHFMs. ASHE is developing a workbook and preparatory class to assist candidates who are interested in or are preparing to take the CHFM examination. The CHFM preparatory classes are now being modified to allow chapters to host them.

  • Reached the 9,400-member mark, which emphasizes the value of ASHE to our members.

In closing, I would thank everyone who supported me over this past year, including the ASHE board, committees and staff. I’d also like to give a big thanks to the staff at my medical center for taking care of business during my time away from my hospital. And my wife’s guidance and support gave me the encouragement I needed as president. Lastly, thanks to the many members I’ve spoken to during the year and for the hospitality the chapters have shown when I visited.

ASHE exists for and because of you, and your input is important to us. If you have any questions or suggestions about our society, our goals or our objectives, we want to hear from you. Please feel free to contact your regional board member or ASHE staff—or me by e-mail at johnwood@chiwest.com.

John R. Wood, CHFM, SASHE
Director, facilities management
Mercy Medical Center
Roseburg, Ore.

Update

Resources at special prices

ASHE offers a number of valuable resources to the industry. To order either of the following products, click here.

  • The Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities (2006 edition). Published by the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health and the Facility Guidelines Institute, with assistance from the Department of Health & Human Services, the latest edition of the “AIA Guidelines” is available from ASHE. Authorities in 42 states, The Joint Commission and federal agencies cite these guidelines when reviewing plans as well as when certifying completed health care facilities. Catalog number: 055370; price: $98 for ASHE members, $140 for nonmembers.

  • ASHE Fire, Electrical & Life Safety Compendium. This reference book helps readers identify appropriate fire, electrical and life safety requirements. Catalog number: 055561; price: $65 for ASHE members, $85 for nonmembers.

This article first appeared in the December 2008 issue of HFM.

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