Arrangements for a new Voluntary Register for Authorising Engineers (AE), the goal of which is to help healthcare organisations identify persons suitable to undertake the AE (MGPS) role within their management structure, have been approved by IHEEM, and the Register is now open for applications.
The Institute advocated development of a register in last May’s HEJ, in its response to HTM 02-01 Part B, Medical Gas Pipeline Systems (MGPS) – Operational Management.
In accordance with HTM 00 and HTM 02-01 Part B, the AE will act as an independent professional adviser to each healthcare organisation and, as such, should be appointed with a brief to provide services in accordance with HTM guidance. The AE (MGPS) will act as assessor and make recommendations for the appointment of Authorised Persons, monitor the performance of the service, and provide an annual audit to the executive manager. To effectively carry out this role, the AE (MGPS) should ideally remain independent of the operational structure of the healthcare organisation.
HTM 02-01 part B describes how, in most organisations, the Authorised Person (MGPS) will take responsibility for the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the MGPS operational policy, involving senior medical and nursing personnel, but retaining effective responsibility for day-to-day management of medical gas pipeline systems. Working independently of the organisation, an AE (MGPS) will have specialist knowledge of MGPS, and particularly the pipeline systems for which an Authorised Person (MGPS) will assume responsibility on appointment.
The HTM goes on to stipulate that the AE (MGPS) acts, and is employed, independently of organisations submitting potential Authorised Persons (MGPS) for assessment. The Authorising Engineer (MGPS) will, having performed an assessment of a potential Authorised Person (MGPS), recommend to the executive manager of the submitting organisation either that the individual is able to proceed to written appointment, or requires further training.
The register will afford those currently undertaking the role of, or considering becoming, an AE (MGPS), formal recognition and enable them to demonstrate they have been assessed through a peer group to a high level of competency and professionalism. Registering with IHEEM will show they are competent in their knowledge of medical gas pipeline systems via successful completion of an accredited training course and by keeping their CPD up-to-date.
The application process will include the completion of an application form, supported by a 2000-word work practice synopsis. The candidate will also need to attend an interview. All those currently undertaking this role or seeking to do so should contact IHEEM with a view to applying to register as an AE (MGPS). Further information/application packs are available at: www.iheem.org.uk/ authorising/medical gases. Please contact Gillian Norrie, T: 02392 823186, or e-mail: Gillian.norrie@iheem.org.uk with any queries.
