A.G. Coombs Advisory Leader – Sustainability, John Bourne, will present at the 2026 Institute of Healthcare Engineering, Australia National Conference, held from 4–6 March at the Sea World Resort Conference Centre on the Gold Coast.

.

The event brings together hospital engineers and healthcare facility professionals to examine current issues, industry developments and approaches to improving health infrastructure performance.

As the national body representing healthcare engineers and facility managers, the Institute of Healthcare Engineering, Australia (IHEA) supports the advancement of safe, reliable and well‑managed healthcare facilities through collaboration, education and professional development.

A Focus on Live Hospital Changeovers and System Reliability

John will deliver “Working Live – Lessons Learned from a Chiller Plant Changeover in a Live Hospital”, outlining the delivery of a major chiller plant upgrade at Cairns Hospital while maintaining continuous chilled water supply to a fully operational clinical environment. His presentation covers:

• The role of the Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA) in planning and sequencing live system and equipment changeovers.
• Commissioning and handover processes for critical hospital systems.
• Lessons that can support future upgrade planning.
• Project risk management, expected energy outcomes and tuning considerations.
• How design‑stage client requirements influence operational resilience.

John’s experience includes mechanical system design, Independent Commissioning Agent work, building tuning, energy reviews and investigations into complex building systems. His current focus is on helping building owners manage energy and water use as the industry transitions toward lower‑emissions operation.

Supporting Capability Across Australia’s Hospital Engineering Sector

Events like the IHEA National Conference provide opportunities for practitioners to share knowledge, compare approaches and strengthen capability across the healthcare engineering field. John’s participation reflects A.G. Coombs’ ongoing involvement in supporting technically sound and well‑planned solutions in health infrastructure.

To learn more about the 2026 IHEA National Conference or to register, visit www.ihea.org.au/events-1/ihea-national-conference-2026

For information about the presentation titled “Working Live – Lessons Learned from a Chiller Plant Changeover in a Live Hospital” or to discuss sustainable and resilient solutions for healthcare facilities, please contact John Bourne at A.G. Coombs Advisory via the Contact Us page.