Introducing our experts...

Dr Mike Weinbren, consultant microbiologist and infection control doctor.??

Dr Mike Weinbren is a consultant medical microbiologist and a specialist adviser to the New Hospital Programme. He currently chairs the Healthcare Infection Society’s working party on water.?

He is advising the New Hospital Programme on how to meet one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare – waterborne micro-organisms transmitted through water/waste-water systems.?

This has never been more important with the rise of new viruses, such as coronavirus and highly antibiotic resistant micro-organisms.?

Bacteria and viruses can use water/wastewater systems as superhighways spreading throughout large buildings and causing infection, even in the most sophisticated healthcare facilities around the world.?

Mike said: “In the New Hospital Programme, we have a wonderful opportunity to lead globally.?

“The first important step is to acknowledge the issue across the sector, including recognition by manufacturers, producers of guidance, architects, design teams, construction companies, maintenance personnel and clinical teams.?

“Working with them, we will then go on to design, build, commission and open new hospital buildings that have the right infrastructure and technology, policies and procedures and appropriately trained staff in place to protect our patients.”?

Dr Weinbren is working within the New Hospital Programme’s Transformation Directorate - working to define and develop operational, digital, clinical and workforce standards and policies to ensure new hospitals are able to deliver transformational care. ?

The directorate is playing a key role, from business cases, design and construction through to operational readiness and handover, of the New Hospital Programme’s schemes.?